Last night, I sat on a stage with my 11-year-old son Hudson at the Unbound Grace banquet. Founder and Executive Director John Steakley, who has walked beside me as a mentor and guide through recovery, asked us to share our story. I thought I knew what was coming.
I didn’t.
For the first time, I heard recovery through my son’s eyes. He described the dad he remembered before sobriety. A father who seemed distant. Unfocused. Not fully present. Every word was hard to hear because every word was true.
Then something changed.
Hudson began talking about our life today. He talked about our Hope for Kenya trip to Africa. Days hunting together. Surfing at the lake. Moments that were truly special, but moments I nearly missed altogether.
As I listened, a realization hit me harder than anything else that evening. Recovery didn’t just free me from addiction. Through God’s grace, it restored a relationship. What addiction had slowly disconnected, Christ had lovingly reconnected.
That is the mission behind Unbound Grace, which calls itself “hope in the wilderness of addiction.” Their approach is rooted in faith and dependence on God’s truth, believing lasting renewal comes through Jesus Christ while extending grace, encouragement, and refuge to all who seek help.
If you or someone you love is struggling, I encourage you to visit www.unboundgrace.life.
Sometimes God allows us a moment of truth so we can experience a glimpse of grace. Last night, I was blessed to experience both.
