by Mark Bennett, Director, Grace of God Recovery House
God, I thank you for your unconditional love. I thank you for reaching so many people, and bringing them together to reach me. For the longest time, my desire was to be alone — I did not need, better yet want, anybody. When you put together the team of Grace of God Recovery House and a program of recovery, I met the hope and the spirit of your love. Not the false love of just filling empty holes in my heart, but a true love of your will from one spiritual awakening to another.
The biggest gift I met was you bringing Sister Margie and the Grace of God Recovery House to me. A gift I almost left in the grips of the disease to travel towards the easier, softer way to fill the empty holes with false love. You left me with a choice that day, and you sent Sister Margie through the back door, bombarding that choice. With all my belongings packed and ready to give up, Sister Margie told me to get in her car — that I did for whatever reason that day. As she drove around the city in circles, I asked her to not waste her gas, and she told me it was not her gas, it was God’s gas. Was not sure how to argue that one, and as time went on we went to noon mass together. It was that mass, in that sanctuary, where I fully surrendered and felt your hands on my shoulders.
I spent 14 months at the Grace of God Recovery House, rebuilding a new life with a new family. I watched firsthand all the hearts, hands, and the community involved to rebuilding lives. This ministry would not be what it is without the love and grace of others, internally and externally. The staff and volunteers committing their time and passion to service, and giving back what was given to them, to us. It is through the eyes, hearts, and service of your will that many of us are able to be productive members of society, parents, family members, partners, students, employees and countless other things. Sister Margie, Grace of God, and this parish walked me through it all. From the blessings at Church as they sent off prayers for students going back to school, to doing homework with Sister Margie in the living room at Grace of God watching football or “Dancing with the Stars,” I couldn’t of asked for a better friend, mentor, and predecessor.
As I continue my journey, now as director of Grace of God, I am still reminded daily of God’s gas. I pray for every resident former, current, and future. I pray for the families affected by the disease of addiction. I pray that every day, someone at some point during the day meets your love and grace. I was always told God is always there — you just must look for him. As we end this nine-day tradition of Novena and fundraising for Grace of God, my heart and prayers are for each one of you. I am beyond thankful for practicing this tradition, because within doing so I feel like I have spent extra time with you. I am a firm believer what we cannot do alone, we can do together. All the masses, smiles, reflections, and stories together is a forever lasting memory, and that to me is the true love not the false. Remember, there is always hope, and God is waiting for us.
In Love,
Mark Bennett
11 Comments
Kathryn Franz
Thank you for this moving set of prayers. May they sustain, support and give hope to all who are suffering. Blessings!
jkiley01
Thanks for today’s prayer and the entire novena. Heartwarming, Inspiring!
Randy Bradshaw
O, Mark, THANK GOD that Sister Margie never gave up on you. Thank you for putting your story up today. GOD is evident at the Grace of GOD Recovery House and in you and the residents and the staff. Randy
Barbara Simmons
I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Your heart touching reflection tells the story of what God’s grace does for us. You traveled an incredibly difficult road, but thankfully you persevered to recovery. Sister Margie, the staff of G of G, and all connected with this ministry deserve all the accolades you attribute to them. In the end, you and every man who was able to find the path to recovery did so with God’s hand on their shoulder. You are an amazing director of G of G, Mark, I pray for you and all the men at the house and those who help this ministry do God’s work of healing.
Sr. Margie
Mark, I am humbled, and proud of you. I love you.
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Diane Seebach
I was so touched reading this, Mark. You have been blessed indeed, and I – we, Bill and I – are so honored to have come to know you through Spiritus, and on a plane trip to Vegas. You are very special and we congratulate you on your mission to guide the residents — present and future — at Grace of God Recovery House. God Bless… Diane & Bill
Gerard Pritchard
Beautiful words, Mark! I’m so proud of you, and feel honored to know you! Keep using God’s gas 😀
Gerard
Patricia Hart
Mark, I was moved to tears as I read your heart felt words of gratitude and deep understanding of the power of God in our lives. I am proud to know you and to support you and the amazing Grace of God family. Thanks for making my day!
Tom & Janet Coyle
Mark
Wow , God has blessed you with a HUGE spiritual experience ! Many in fact , and everyone connected to GOG has benefited from them !What a journey and thanks for saying YES ! The miracles keep on coming !
Thank you God ! Blessings to you in your life and beautiful ministry ! Love Tom & Janet Coyle
Molly Posato
Thank you, Mark, for this beautiful testimony. You have put into words what so Many people Long to hear and live, yet haven’t experienced – the gift of love, forgiveness and hope that Sister Margie brought to you and countless others. Your story and the stories of others continue to make this world a much better place. God sent her to you and now you carry that torch. May God bless you and all of you who bring light and hope to those who need it. I love and admire all
Of you in the Grace of God ministry and am proud to know you.
Pat sent this to me. I hope that’s okay.
Molly
Sue Spoonhower
Thank you, Mark, and all who shared your stories and prayers. It has been humbling and inspiring. I also have a chronic disease, not addiction, but I have also had to learn to draw strength from God through others. Can’t do this alone! This novena has given much to me.
You guys are great!
You have my prayers and my gratitude,
Sue Spoonhower
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