Male Purity: an SJE Testimonial

I Am Many Things...A Testimonial on Purity

I am many things… I am blessed to be a very happily married husband and father. I am a working professional with graduate degrees. I am an active parishioner at SJE. And I am a recovering pornography addict. However, with the help of God’s grace, the support and prayers of my wife and the Men in Christ ministry, I am now healing.

For many men, this temptation is seemingly impossible to overcome. But nothing, even this addiction, is impossible to overcome or conquer with the help of God, the sacraments, family, and others. The first step in my experience is most importantly admitting to self, God, and spouse (that was by far the hardest), that you have an addiction. Next is seeking help from whatever and whomever it takes. The Men in Christ ministry of St. John the Evangelist parish is a confidential group of men who help others that are struggling with this addiction while healing themselves.

Job 31:1 – “I have made a covenant with my eyes…” This is the motto of an internet filtering (and accountability) service. Having accountability to others, whether they are your spouse, deacon, or fellow church members is crucial. Several internet filtering services provide not only “blocking” of pornographic materials, but also regularly send e-mail summaries of “what your eyes have been seeing” to your accountability partner(s). From personal experience, this option was and continues to be invaluable to help me overcome this addiction.

“...God does not expect you to make that climb from the bottom of this dark pit on your own. He will stand at the top of the pit with His hand stretched down to you, helping you up and welcoming you when you reach the top again. ” St. Joseph, pray for us and help me become the husband, father, and son that God knows I can be and my family deserves.

Yes, I am many things…. now I am becoming a new creation in Christ who strengthens me! - anonymous SJE parishioner

Learn more about SJE's Men in Christ ministry and how they can help you live a life of purity.