It is great when someone has overcome and then they use their experience to identify with those in the same situation....I get tired of folks who have never been there saying to someone, "OH, I know just how you feel".....NO, they don't know how someone feels if you ain't been there----they can sympathize, but can not identify....God uses those who have walked on the hot coals to help those who are feeling the heat....You dealt with drugs & booze and overcame, you are a God gift to another with these issues, another may have dealt with illness, death , they can use this experience to aide others....what ever life throws in our path when we experience and overcome, then we have a testimony to share, we have help to offer others......I know from experience that some find my attitude on this unacceptable, but I firmly believe it...Had a preacher one time to become offended with my attitude on this....he believed he knew how folks felt although he never experienced what they are enduring......I may just be too bull headed to understand....oh no, got carried away there a bit, but then if it engaged someone brain to think a little, that's great
