This week, as part of our Practice of Witness series, we heard from Jake Hayes.
Jake shared a powerful story of addiction, recovery, and discovering that real freedom begins when we stop hiding and invite Jesus into the places we’d rather keep covered.
Growing up, Jake learned to hide his struggles and carry them alone. Over time, addiction became something that shaped his life, relationships, and sense of self. What began as something social eventually became something he could no longer control. Yet even in the darkest moments, Jesus was not absent.
Jake reflected on the turning point that came when he finally admitted, “I can’t do this anymore. I need help.” That simple act of honesty opened the door to healing, recovery, and a completely different way of living.
What stood out most was that freedom didn’t come through one dramatic moment. It came through small, faithful practices over time: learning to slow down, practicing Sabbath, reading Scripture, building healthy rhythms, walking with others, and bringing Jesus into everyday life. As Jake shared, what once felt impossible slowly became a new way of living.
His story reminds us that transformation often happens one decision at a time.
It also reminds us that Jesus is not waiting for us to get everything together before coming to Him. He meets us in the middle of the mess, the addiction, the shame, the fear, and the places we feel stuck.
The invitation from Jake’s story is simple: Bring Jesus into it. Whatever it is.
There is hope. There is freedom. And there is grace for the journey.
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