For many years I suffered from guilt and nightmares. In one breath I would thank God that I was alive, and in the other breath I would scream at God in a rage usually after I had been drinking. I finally let it go and in 1972, I prayed to Jesus and asked him to come into my heart. I began to see all the times I should have been killed. I thought of who had kept me alive, and I repented. The rage and hatred left.
I went to my Catholic wife and told her I was saved. She was skeptical at first but over time came to believe it. What impressed her was that I was no longer angry and hateful. I have been a national chaplain for different organizations and I will probably do twenty veterans reunions this summer. It is amazing to me that someone like myself, with only a 9th grade education, has spoken at colleges and high schools. I think the Lord laid an ambush or something.
Having someone to talk to is important. An understanding wife has helped me tremendously. Groups are good as long as they are not pity parties where someone is trying to tell a worse story than the next person. If you are feeling down, call someone else who is depressed and encourage him or her. Get your eyes off your own problems and look with perspective at the world. Thousands of others have gone through similar trials to whatever you’re facing and with the help of God they are making it one day at a time.
My greatest joy is seeing other people come around because of him being in their hearts. It is wonderful that God can take a person like me and help me to feel successful. No longer do I feel I have to prove anything. My life turned around when I found God, and yours can too.
Bio: John Steer lost his right arm and was left with a severely damaged leg, both as a result of a battle in Vietnam. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, an army commendation medal with a V for valor, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Star. Provided by: www.survivingadversity.com
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