How Agape Got Me

by: Brooks

I prayed for sobriety each and every day

But to stop smoking crack I could not find a way.

I tried to use willpower with all of my might

It just seemed that I'd never get it quite right.

And then at a 12-step meeting I met a man

Who had made the same mistakes time and time again.

He was sober, happier and seemed so serene

I wanted to know where exactly he'd been.

He said "You've got to search and find it within you

A desire to stop and start life anew."

I knew then I could not do it on my own;

I had to look into the place he had gone.

He said I'll tell you where God finally got me

And he gave me a business card for Agape.

So I got the phone number and talked to Tim;

He said the Reverend Bryant decides who gets in.

I told him how badly I needed some help

But I didn't follow through and left the number on a shelf.

I went to AA meetings each and every night,

But I still couldn't manage my everyday life.

And sooner than later the addiction returned;

I felt guilt and shame with every crack rock I burned.

The next day I drove to Agape;

I read a sign out front while feeling depressed.

It said, "Come unto me, and I'll give you rest.

I walked among residents who all said, "We're glad you're here."

It helped still my emptiness, depression, and fear.

I awoke my first day there finally clean and sober;

The message in the house was "It's time to start over."

The last time I had been around so many drinkers and addicts,

The doors had been locked and the walls should've been padded.

Reverend Bryant welcomed me on that very first day;

He was sincere when he said, "You'll make it, just hear what we say."

I've made new friendships, and I hope they will last;

They know me better than anyone and forgive my sordid past.

I awake now each morning and know God's on my side;

My life is a blessing with no more secrets to hide.

We hold recovery meetings, but Agape's more than just that;

We encourage each other, even sitting on the porch for a chat.

There's something between us so few understand;

We want to live solid lives, and now know that we can.

Agape's given us so much more than to stop using liquor and dope;

We learn we are good people who finally have hope.

In these old houses you can feel all the love

That only could fall from our God up above.

I'll leave Agape eventually and be on my own again,

And I hope an addict will ask me, "Where have you been?"

I'll tell him where God finally got me,

And I'll take him to the front door of Agape.