Life doesn’t always unravel all at once—sometimes it’s a slow drift shaped by loss, choices and the search for something to fill what’s missing.
For James, that drift began early. After losing his father at the age of 7, something changed. He describes it as losing a part of himself—leading to self-destructive patterns and a deep need for acceptance at any cost. Over time, that search pulled him into a lifestyle that led to prison and years of struggle with addiction.
By the time he arrived at 7 Springs Ministries, it wasn’t his first attempt at change—it was his 55th treatment program. Even then, transformation didn’t come easily. He left the program twice and returned the third time with what he describes as a rebellious attitude.
When his daughter passed away and he was unable to attend her funeral, everything came to a head. It was in that place of grief and questioning that he cried out to God:
“I asked God, ‘I’m not liked here. Why do You keep bringing me back?’ And He told me, ‘So I can sit you down, and you’ll listen.’”
That moment became a turning point. For the first time, James stopped trying to control the outcome and chose surrender.
“I’ve done it every way possible. All it’s ever done for me is get me in trouble.”
Letting go of his own way allowed something new to take root—humility. And with it came real change, not just in behavior, but in perspective.
“So today I have gratitude instead of attitude.”
What once felt overwhelming and unmanageable began to look different. Not because life suddenly became easy, but because his posture shifted. He began to step aside and allow God to work in him.
James now shares his story with a grounded sense of hope—one that speaks directly to those who feel stuck or too far gone:
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but God can.”
His journey is a reminder that transformation doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from surrendering fully. No matter how many attempts have come before, God is still able to do something new.
If you or someone you love is struggling, know this: the turning point may not be in doing more—but in finally letting go.
