letter from the director
I am a survivor of addiction. This past year alone I have lost both my brother and sister to drug overdoses. Both had spent a number of years fighting this losing battle with addiction. I myself have faced this enemy on more than one occasion as you can see if you read my testimony. Some never have to deal with this disease and can go on living as if it is not real. For those of us that have seen upfront and close the cause and effect and even lived through it our decision is a little harder. We can run, and put it behind as if it never happened, or we can take that pain and suffering that we have been through and seen, and turn it into something positive. Addiction is a disease, one that destroys lives and leaves nothing but pain and suffering and a trail of broken hearts behind. It not only affects the lives of those infected but the lives of the family members and friends co workers around. It can be a slow debilitating process, or one that strikes like a thief in the night. The result is always the same, life as you know it will never be the same. Answers are not clear; decisions on what to do and how to handle it are not concrete. I believe that some of this destruction is preventable; some of this loss of life does not have to happen. I formed the “The Timothy Initiative” where we work with men that have just been dealt a really tough hand and are struggling whether its addiction, or depression, or just some really bad decisions. We believe in forming spiritual mentorships in order to help men transition through these life situations, and learn how to live again maybe for the first time! We have found that work therapy, discipleship in Christ and an introduction into community are useful tools in rebuilding lives! There is no greater miracle than seeing life restored to the lifeless and hope given to the hopeless. I feel uniquely qualified to help change lives because of the changes that I have seen in my own, and in those that I have been privileged to work with already. If you would like more information on our organization or if you have any questions on this disease please contact us at: George@tampaunderground.com. In closing, I leave you with a note we must all remember: The biggest way that addiction, or depression wins is by making us feel alone, we are never alone. George Wood Director The Timothy Initiative |
