From Addiction to Mentor

July 2, 2025 / by Patrick Carroll

I grew up in the West Englewood area of Chicago: Race riots. Violence. Hospitalized in 3rd grade. More violence in my home with alcoholic parents—one violent, controlling, critical, and domineering while the other drank progressively until death at age 41.

I struggled with comportment, following the rules, socialization, and self-image. Once I characterized the labels I wanted God to remove in this way: abused, neglected, abandoned. I was a lonely child full of fear and rage.

Raised Catholic, I believed in God and perceived a moral conscious with an intermittent desire to seek God. I was saved in my early twenties but struggled with alcohol, the law, anger, and normal functioning. God delivered me from addiction through church involvement, counseling, and attendance at AA. I was able to complete graduate school, become a professional, learn to conduct normal adult responsibilities, begin to follow rules/laws, and submit to authority.

I was asked to provide this testimony concerning the change that has occurred within my heart in attending East White Oak groups and my ministry at work and with other men. Several issues continued to hinder/sabotage my spiritual development: effective coping; lack of purpose and sometimes apathy; sexual integrity. Change began by confessing Paslm 51:4 “against you, you only have I sinned;” pleaded for mercy, power & healing, Ezk 36:26, (new heart) and Jer 31:33 (write law on heart).”

I have read and studied much, yet over the past 4 years I have renewed my study of theology and Christian history and committed myself to prayer, Bible reading, church attendance and attendance in small groups and other support groups. The difference was that I surrendered my will to a greater extent than previously and committed myself to obey God’s word and minister to others. The catalyst was complete abstinence in the area of sexual integrity which propelled me to intentionally study and obey God. I have come to realize that idolatry of self is the root of the problem. There is a prayer that in part reads “relieve me of the bondage of self…” I also became increasingly more aware of the pernicious destructiveness of many of the psychological theories that emphasize attainment of self-actualization, self-esteem, self-empowerment etc. Identity and purpose is found in Jesus and pursuing self-fulfillment is a barrier to spiritual growth. Focusing on others produced more peace, contentment, fulfillment, and purpose. A deeper awareness, appreciation, and embracing of God’s sovereignty was cultivated by studying systematic theology in small group and Revelations in BSF along with reading/studying other Christian material. Attending Pure Desire & Seven Pillars has reinforced the necessity of transformation of the mind and healing of the heart that only the power of God can accomplish. What I experienced is that the unlocking of the power to change was preceded by my continued obedience, surrender, and humility. Moreover, intentionality connecting, ministering, and mentoring others has produced fruit & growth.

The hope that only God can provide now more readily permeates my mind & heart which inspires me to offer godly truth and potential solutions to my patients and colleagues.

Patrick Carroll has been a member of East White Oak Bible Church for about 4 years. He has resided in Bloomington/Normal since 1998 and currently works at OSF as a medical social worker. His daughter Kristyana also lives in the area. In his free time, he enjoys working on building & repair projects, reading philosophy and theology, and mentoring/ministering to men.