A Fuller Heart: Hills And Valleys
Events Teach About Life’s Frailty
Judd Hamilton, a local man who has faced drug and alcohol addiction, recently shared about his time at the farm, a rehabilitation facility that connected him closer with God and set him out on a path toward recovery, despite the hills and valleys that would also appear.
However, he also had his share of hills and valleys in the south of Florida — including the death of his young daughter from an illness and that of a close friend due to dealing drugs.
Judd said these two events taught him about the frailty of life, but also the goodness of God and the church. He said he didn’t know how he would have made it through without the prayers and support of his church and the people back home.
“What I learned in those experiences was that all the things I thought were important when (my daughter) got sick, all of the sudden lost their importance,” Judd said. “If somebody would’ve walked into our hospital room with a briefcase full of money, it had no meaning anymore because the only thing that could help us at that point was God.”
In dealing with these traumatic events, he said he realized God could bring him through the things he had never been able to get through by himself. The lessons he’s learned and the path he’s walked over the past few years are experiences he wants to share with others that may help them on their journeys.
Judd said he’s been able to do that, thanks to his time at the mission.
He was given the opportunity to share his testimony during chapel a few weeks ago at the UCAN City Mission in downtown Jamestown. He said he was thrilled to do it, but was also nervous. When he reached the podium at the front of the chapel, he said he began wondering what someone like him was doing up there.
“I’m thinking, ‘What is this homeless guy doing up here?'” Judd said. “But then, by the power of scripture, I was liberated — Matthew 8:20 where it says ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ Jesus was homeless, so I’m in good company.”
While he currently lives at the mission and only has enough possessions to fill a backpack, Judd said he is truly living the abundant life.
He spends time in community with the other men who stay at the mission, he attends a local church and spends his time out in the city talking with others and sharing the Gospel. He said he often can be found downtown, praying with and talking to others.
He said in his path through addiction, he has learned many lessons – including the idea of desiring and building a relationship with Christ first, and then setting out for sobriety.
“Let sobriety be a by-product of that relationship,” Judd said. “Every time I’ve sought those other things, whether it be the good job or the relationship or anything I put in front of God, I lose anyway. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.”
Judd said coming to the mission felt like a calling to him. At first, he refused to go, but finally ended up caving in. He said when he walked through the doors, it felt like coming home.
“I had some pride and some things that needed to be shaken loose, you know, that I was probably holding on to,” Judd said. “I had dreams as a child or as a teenager of living in community, sharing and working together – and that’s what we do here – 24-7. I feel like everything happening here is scriptural.”
These days, Judd said you “can’t smack the smile off” his face.
“I consider these eight or 10 blocks around this area my ministry field,” he said. “There is always hope, even in the darkest days. God loves us just as much at our worst – his love never changes. I’m so grateful for the things God wants for the rest of my life.”
For a more in depth look into Judd’s story, look for his book “Thank God for My Addiction” on Amazon. Or, visit downtown Jamestown and look for a friendly face – he’s bound to be there, waiting to pray with you.