Great Job John!  I am happy I got you hooked on Jedidiah Stuff!

Jedidiah Community: John Houchin from Jedidiah Clothing on Vimeo.

A Vulnerable Brotherhood By John Houchin

Vulnerability has devastated my life, and built it up again. I told the truth. I shined light on the darkness in my life and exposed parts of me that no one knew. I spent years covering up my problems, careful to never let anyone see the parasitic creature that was embedded in my soul. I believed the lie that I could get rid of it by myself. So I tried. I made promise after promise to be better and to change. And each promise was met by a depressing failure. I could not do it on my own. I was exhausted. Then, in an instant, I was faced with a decision: let loose the pain of the truth or keep living in darkness. A miracle happened. I confessed to someone whom I loved and trusted. What I told this person was extremely painful for both of us, but I was set free from the ever-present torture that I clung to for so long.

I set out on a slippery journey towards freedom. This isn???„?t the type of freedom where one is suddenly free forever; instead it???„?s a continuous battle that I must fight for the rest of my life. Confessing to someone was only the first step. There were a few others placed in my life that I knew I could confide in. After I shared my experience with them they began sharing their own similar stories with me. I suggested for us to start meeting weekly to check up on each other and continue sharing our struggles, and they agreed. Now that I am not alone with my junk, it???„?s become harder to fall and easier to make good choices. When we fall, unconditional love picks us up.

This has inspired me to seek out others who are hurting and let them know that it is ok to be vulnerable. Now I pass on the grace that I???„?ve been shown and the love I???„?ve been given. Because of a strong community I have found my true identity. Through vulnerability I am no longer a slave to darkness. Through vulnerability I am finally seeking things that I am passionate about. Through vulnerability I found brotherhood.