The true testimony of Mina Lou Fitts of Tampa, Florida. I drank heavily for twenty years, spending a small fortune and much of that time I was searching for an unknown something which might give relief to my tortured soul. I tried something of everything the world had to offer, but with each disappointment my drinking increased. Everywhere I turned, everything I attempted was clouded with alcohol. I cannot tell you when I crossed that thin line which all alcoholic drinkers cross. The thin line between social drinking and alcoholism.
After I became aware that I was truly an alcoholic, my one desire was to escape. Wanting with all my heart to break the chains of drink and redeem my worthless life, I only ran into another blank wall with no avenue of escape.
What was once social drinking at dances, ball games, fishing, and parties, had become a demanding nightmare that could not be satisfied. Work became a means toward an end endured only that I might have money for the bottle at the end of the day. I had become a social outcast, since no one, not even a fellow alcoholic, wants to be around another drunk.
I chose my friends according to their ability and desire for drink. My family pitied, scorned, and feared me. My creditors marked me off as a bad debt, and my old friends avoided any personal contact and considered me another hopeless drunk. The bottle had become my master.
Then came the time when even liquor failed me, and no longer gave ease to my quaking body and befogged mind. Unfit for society, my dear family wanted to protect me by placing me in custodial care as mentally incompetent. The fear of being committed to a mental institution became an obsession, and I linked my worthless life to those I thought would protect me.
After several serious brushes with the law from which my family rescued me, I was finally confined and put out of contact with decent society.
Destitute, lonely, sick and frightened and without even a drink for momentary relief, a dear child of God came to me and explained God’s simple plan of salvation. I listened to the story of the power of Jesus Christ to save, forgive all sins and restore life to those lost in the depths of despair. And as I read from the Holy Bible for myself, it seemed almost too good to be true. But it was true and all so real. I learned of His death on the Cross for me so that I might be spared eternal death.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16. In return for this wonderful gift, I only needed to repent and by faith believe that Jesus died for me, rose from the dead and is seated by the right hand of God on His throne. No longer need I carry my burden of guilt and drink. Jesus the Son of God was waiting to lift it from me if I only asked and believed. The Bible says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My Word and believeth on Him that sent Me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life” John 5:24.
How I welcomed these glorious words from the Holy Bible. Upon my knees, my soul found comfort, my sins were forgiven, the desire for alcohol was removed, and Jesus now lives in my heart. As an alcoholic I only existed, now I live, for He promised in the Bible: “I have come that they might have life. and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10. I am not proud of my past, but if it was necessary in order that I might have this inward peace, it was worth it. My problem was no different from yours. We all follow the same Godless pattern. If alcoholism has you bound, regardless of the depths to which you have fallen, regardless of your present standing in society, there is hope for you. Jesus said, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” Jesus also said: “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” John 6:37. I shall always remember the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. Peace and assurance were given to me when on the 23rd day of December, 1955, with broken spirit and soul I asked Jesus to deliver me from the curse of alcoholism. Today is the day of salvation, and the Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” Proverbs 27:1. God loves you. Are YOU ready to meet Him? 4 pages.
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