My story is one of faith, recovery, family, and second chances. I grew up in church, but my relationship with God has not always been close.
A difficult home environment and struggles with addiction beginning in my teenage years eventually led me through repeated treatment, homelessness, and incarceration. I initially got sober on July 5, 2009, while in jail, and during that time my faith became stronger. I stayed sober for 13 years before experiencing a brief period of relapse in 2022.
Looking back now, I can see that even during the times I had walked away from God, He never walked away from me.
Today, my greatest blessings are my wife, daughter, faith, recovery, and the life I once was not sure I would have. After struggling deeply with my mental health following the birth of my daughter, I reached out for help and eventually found renewed hope, purpose, and a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.
I also feel closest to God in nature, which is a big part of why I love camping, off-roading, and exploring in my Ram Bighorn. Through overlanding, events, and meetups, I have found community, adventure, and another way to appreciate God's creation.
After everything I have been through, I can now say, "Hi, I'm Brooks, and I'm grateful, grateful for God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness."
Brooks McNeil