My birth name is Brian Anthony Hyatt. Not a bad name if I do say so myself. I do think it was a name chosen out of thin air as there is no one that I know of in the family tree who had the names Brian or Anthony. Even so, a good name. But I never really liked my name when I was growing up. I wanted one of the “cool” names. Max or Chuck or something that sounded a little tougher. I think now that the problem was not with my name but rather who I thought I was. I had issues with who I identified myself as. I was repeatedly told as a child (and I can still hear my grandma saying it right now) “That’s the Hyatt coming out in you.” What does that even mean? Every time I did something wrong, every time I got the least bit angry, if I told a lie and certainly if I spoke my mind I was told, “That’s the Hyatt coming out in you.” Still I ask, what does that even mean?

I can tell you what it meant to me then. I only knew of what I was told about being a Hyatt. I was told of how my dad was nothing but a drunk. How he would spend all the family grocery money on booze. How he beat us children. Of course I don’t remember any of that because I was a mere 4 months or so old when my parents separated. I never saw my dad again. I have no recollection of his voice, what he looked like or if he actually physically violated me as I was told he did. I was led to believe that being a Hyatt was a bad thing.

I am convinced of this one thing. The lessons I was taught as a child played them self out throughout my life. I became a raging alcoholic and fanatical drug addict. I believed that this slavery to alcohol and drugs was, in part, due to “the Hyatt in me”. I was convinced that I had no choice in the matter. I thought I was born into this disease. And after all the abuse I had dealt with during my growing up years I determined that if I were predestined to be this way that I would be the best addict I could be. I would take more pills, shoot more dope, drink more alcohol than anyone else. I became quite good at anesthetizing reality.

I must say NOW that I know this is NOT the truth and is a straight lie from the very pits of hell.

Now that my judgement is no longer clouded and obscured by the manacles of substance abuse and dependence and I have committed my life to Jesus Christ my Savior, I see that I am more than just “a Hyatt”.

I am born again. “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation” 1 Peter 1:3

I am a new creature (creation) in Christ Jesus.“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am a child of the Most High God. “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26

I am redeemed – paid for at a great price! “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7

I am Forgiven. “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” Psalm 103:12

I am strong and capable. I a“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

I am a conqueror and overcomer. “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

I am free from addiction. “So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36

Maybe you have never experienced freedom and liberty from your life controlling habits. If you are searching for a way out I urge you to give your life to Jesus. He was there when you were created and knew you before you were born. He knows the condition of your heart. I promise you that He knows your struggle and can identify with your pain. He is there to help. He wants to help. The choice is yours. If you feel led, please pray this prayer with me.

Heavenly Father, I know that I have done wrong and I know that my life is not what you would want it to be. Please forgive me. Help me to turn away from my sinful life and please give me the strength to follow you. I believe that Christ died for my sins and that He came back from the grave so that I could live a life of freedom. Make me a new creation Lord. Forgive my past and give me the power to be Your child. Help me to walk in my newness. In Jesus Name I pray, AMEN

If you sincerely said this prayer for the first time or for the one hundredth time, God heard you. Welcome to the family of Christ!

Most of us who struggle with addiction and life controlling issues need all the help and encouragement we can get. I recommend for you to find a Bible believing and teaching church or support group to help guide you in you walk with our Savior. Be honest and open with yourself. Be honest and open with God. The same way you said the prayer a minute ago you can talk to God anywhere, anytime.

If you need some christian guidance please leave me a comment and I will be more than happy to help in any way I can.

My sincere prayer is that ALL who struggle with addiction can find healing, restoration and freedom through Christ our Lord