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From Kensington to Skid Row: Oliver C. finds Spiritual Freedom
You don’t have to go up to see God. God is always here.
“You tell me to eat lima beans; I’m going to eat lima beans.” That line from Jerry Maguire became Oliver C.’s mantra for recovery and a simple truth about willingness, surrender, and faith.
Born to Taiwanese immigrants and raised in South Jersey, Oliver grew up speaking Mandarin at home and struggling to fit in. His father drank heavily and owned restaurants, and alcohol was always present. By his teens, Oliver was chasing that same escape, experimenting with drugs and alcohol to feel like he belonged.
After being caught with a large amount of weed at sixteen, he went to rehab for the first time and was introduced to 12-step recovery. But addiction had its grip on him. From the streets of Kensington in Philadelphia to Skid Row in Los Angeles, Oliver’s life spiraled through heroin, arrests, and rehabs.
A judge eventually gave him one final chance, sending him to Lancaster, California, where he met two men who would change his life: Sean C. and the late David G. They “kidnapped him into sobriety,” staying with him day and night and showing him what real recovery looks like.
It was David who told him, “You don’t have to go up to see God. God is always here.” That moment changed everything. Oliver stopped running, found peace, and began living with a spiritual foundation instead of self-reliance.
Today, sober since April 29, 2012, Oliver is a devoted father, a man of daily prayer, and a voice of hope for anyone still struggling. His story is a testament to humility, willingness, and the grace found in letting go.
📞 If you or someone you love is struggling, there is help. Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.
🎧 And don’t miss Sean C.’s story that helped change Oliver’s life: “Tricked into Sobriety: Sean C. on 23 Years of Recovery.” Listen here.
🙏 Explore daily inspiration at dailyponderables.com
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.
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By joevalentino1269You don’t have to go up to see God. God is always here.
“You tell me to eat lima beans; I’m going to eat lima beans.” That line from Jerry Maguire became Oliver C.’s mantra for recovery and a simple truth about willingness, surrender, and faith.
Born to Taiwanese immigrants and raised in South Jersey, Oliver grew up speaking Mandarin at home and struggling to fit in. His father drank heavily and owned restaurants, and alcohol was always present. By his teens, Oliver was chasing that same escape, experimenting with drugs and alcohol to feel like he belonged.
After being caught with a large amount of weed at sixteen, he went to rehab for the first time and was introduced to 12-step recovery. But addiction had its grip on him. From the streets of Kensington in Philadelphia to Skid Row in Los Angeles, Oliver’s life spiraled through heroin, arrests, and rehabs.
A judge eventually gave him one final chance, sending him to Lancaster, California, where he met two men who would change his life: Sean C. and the late David G. They “kidnapped him into sobriety,” staying with him day and night and showing him what real recovery looks like.
It was David who told him, “You don’t have to go up to see God. God is always here.” That moment changed everything. Oliver stopped running, found peace, and began living with a spiritual foundation instead of self-reliance.
Today, sober since April 29, 2012, Oliver is a devoted father, a man of daily prayer, and a voice of hope for anyone still struggling. His story is a testament to humility, willingness, and the grace found in letting go.
📞 If you or someone you love is struggling, there is help. Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.
🎧 And don’t miss Sean C.’s story that helped change Oliver’s life: “Tricked into Sobriety: Sean C. on 23 Years of Recovery.” Listen here.
🙏 Explore daily inspiration at dailyponderables.com
The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.