Fourteen months ago on Christ birthday, I was arrested. This past year I have been under fire, by religious folks, the police and judicial system. I feel I have fallen down many times, and when I tried to get up, I was knocked back down.
One day my path crossed with a man by the name of Mike Wright, who works with the Drug Court program. Mike had faith and believed in me and reached out to help me, along with another man, Rev. Jerry Townley, pastor of Nazarene Church.
I believe with all my heart, God sent Mike to me at the most hopeless time in my life. He and the Lord gave me the strength and courage to stand up once again and fight for my sobriety and my life. You see I was judged and condemned by some religious folks, but as I recall, my Bible says "Let those among you, without sin, cast the first stone." God's mercy endureth forever.
I was not allowed the opportunity to actually be in Drug Court, but I have attended their meetings and have watched and listened; Mike, Alex, Judge Sprouse are doing a fantastic job. They are on a mission to help the addicts find a better way of life. I commend Judge Sprouse for his honesty and fairness with each individual.
As we all know, methamphetamine is at epidemic stages in this county. People are losing their homes, children, freedom and even their lives, as a result from this drug. Thank God there are some folks that will not give up fighting the battle against addiction.
Mike Wright is truly an addict's friend, who looks beyond the addictive nature of people, and sees human lives worth salvaging.
Thank you Mike for being there for me, when all others had condemned me, you reached out a hand and I took hold. Maybe that's all I needed as many other addicts feel the same, someone had faith in me.
Keep up the good work Mike and Drug Court .
Dale Ward
Sallisaw
