Mike Allee

I'll never forget the moment my heart sought God... drunk at a party, alone, broken, gazing up into the stars, I cursed God. I challenged God asking if he was real. I let him know I would not believe a book, or the Bible, just because someone said it was true. I had trust issues. However, I did let Him know that if he was real, I'd want to know. And if He revealed Himself to me, I would give him my heart.

Praise God for his prevenient grace. Praise God for the struggle. Praise God for not quitting on me and wrestling with me for over 20+ years. What a journey.

I was a drinker. The blackout or get arrested type. Having experienced the loss of friend due to overdose I never got into hard drugs, but medicated with alcohol, marijuana, and pleasure. After years of living in an addictive cycle of bad behaviors I fought through the guilt and shame of the flesh. One day I hiked deep into the woods and ask God to do whatever it takes to reconcile my heart with His. I accepted his invitation of hope. Two days later, I was responsible for an accident which cost a friend his life. I had been under the influence. As a result, I was serving time and looking at 10+ years in prison. Much occurred during this time. God had my attention. 

I was released on stipulations after serving county time. During this season, I was on formal felony probation. I began to rationalize my habits and found myself back in toxic environments. One evening I had seven probation violations and was once again arrested. As a result, my two-month-old son entered into child-protective-services (CPS). I planned to serve a four year lid in prison. It was gut-wrenching knowing I would miss the chance of raising my son. I thought I was at "rock bottom" before, but now I was at a new level of "rock bottom". My stomach was inside out. I couldn’t eat, think, or barely function.

During this next time in county, I had an encounter that will be with me for the remainder of my life. I entered a pod and was immediately approached by an inmate. With bed roll still in-hand, he asked me, “Are you a Christian?”. I was depressed and very discouraged at this point of life and attempted to blow him off, but he persisted, “Are you a Christian?”. I said, “Yes, I guess.” He then asked me, “Well, why do you look so sad? Rejoice in your trials!” I told him to get out of my face, but he didn't. At that moment, he told his nearby buddy, “Pray for Mike”. They both prayed for me. Everyday, multiple times a day, the two of them would drag me out of my bunk to read, pray, and fellowship. It was just the three of us. Ten days, later it was thirty.

On the tenth day, I had court. All thirty inmates formed a circle and held hands. Each of them, went one-by-one, and prayed for me and my future. Up to this point, I had never experienced any Christians in my life with this type of boldness, unity, or drop-everything-and-do-it type faith. No politics. I had been to church, life groups, bible studies, and not once ever had experienced this. As I was put in shackles, and led through the underground tunnels into the courthouse, all I could do was pray. I vividly remember my prayer. “God may your will be done over my life. I do not want to go to prison and miss the life of my son, but if it’s your will, I’ll go. Just help me to believe in your promise of never leaving of forsaking me.” I entered the courtroom and waited. Hours passed. When I stood before the judge, he noted that all my arrests were due to substance abuse. He also noticed that my son was in an out-of-sate, child protective service. I had previously signed, agreeing to serve a four sentence if any violations occured, so I was expecting this. The judge then said, “Wait”. He looked up and spoke, “Every arrest is due to alcohol. You've been locked up in multiple counties all due to drinking and now it's impacting your two-month old son. You need to pull your head out." Then after a long pause he said, "Think of this day, as the day your son saved your life. If I see you again, you’re going to prison. You’re free to go.” I was stunned.

As I returned to the pod, in shackles, walking in the long underground tunnel beneath the city streets, all I did was cry. It was a miracle. I entered the pod and the fellas asked how it went. When I described the day, these thirty inmates, who had prayed on my behalf, erupted! They began celebrating! They stood on tables and stools, shouting phrases like, “Do you see that?! That is what happens when you serve the living God, Jesus Christ!”

Obviously, I will never forget this experience. I have now been sober since April 12^th, 2016, which also was my last arrest. I have since pledged my life to God knowing I'm still a work in progress and will be forever. Jesus has transformed me. I'm by no means perfect nor do I expect to be, but the sensitivity of my heart and how I see people has changed drastically. My desire is to share a glimpse of what I’ve experienced with any who can relate. This is one short testimony, but the Holy Spirit of God has shown up in my heart and life. He is available to be discovered. 

At Rock Bottom, we may have many sayings. One is this. “If you want God to show up in your life, then you must also. SHOW UP!" And watch God move in and through you. Get uncomfortable. 

To Christ be the glory.

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24)