30 Years Sober. Today I Still Have Work to Do.

On October 12, 1996, I was 19 years old and sitting in a jail cell. I was five months out of prison, on roughly my 21st arrest, and facing more than 10 years for violating parole. That day I gave up every mind-altering substance.

On October 12, 2026, I celebrated 30 years sober.

I celebrated 30 years sober in October. Today I still have work to do.

I still have character defects to face, things to surrender, and amends to make when I'm wrong. Thirty years doesn't mean I've graduated from the things that helped me get here.

Today's reading, Luke 9:23, reminds me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Christ.

Daily. That means choosing to surrender my will, face what needs to change, and put my faith into action. Working out my salvation through God's grace, and helping those around me draw closer to Him through how I live.

The 12 steps gave me a mechanism to honestly look at myself, grow closer to God, and help someone else find the freedom that was freely shared with me.

I ask God for His will and the strength to carry it out. Then I have to be willing to listen and follow through.

For 30 years, the only thing I've done perfectly is not use, no matter what, by the grace of God.

Everything else, I'm still working on.

If you're on day one, or day thirty, or you're trying again, the conversation is free. It was freely given to me, and I'll give it the same way. Reach me on Instagram, through our contact page, or in the Sober Gangster Facebook group.

X • XII • MCMXCVI