Monday, March 29, 2010

I Never Thought My Life Would End Up Like This

I never thought that my life would end up like this is something that has been passing through my mind the last few days.

I say that in a good way... See if you know you my story, or knew me in high school, you would know that I made some very unwise choices.  You would know that I had no regard for my life.  You would know that I was crazy and I'm sure that many of you thought you would attend my funeral by my 21st birthday.  I always thought that I wouldn't make it to my 18th birthday and when it happened I was shocked.
(I debated adding this picture of Bobby, Conrad and I from when were about 17)
I had no regard for anything...

When I was 19 I received the biggest wake-up call ever.  I was driving home to Big Bear Lake and either passed out at the wheel or because I was so drunk just don't remember what happened.  I ended up totaling my truck into the mountain and running from the Cops.  Those actions landed me in jail being charged with 2 felonies and a slew on misdemeanors.  I went to church the next week while I was awaiting my court date and my moms friend looked at me and said: "I had a dream you were a pastor and leading thousands of people to the Lord."  I did not return to church because of that comment.

In the next few months of my life I lost everything; literally.  After going to jail a few more times I ended up in jail on February 14th 2000 and said something like: "Jesus I need you; if you're real please get me outta here."  God answered that prayer.  I meet a guy five days later who invited me to church; Brett Wheeler if you never reached out to me I have no clue where I would be.

Fast-forward ten years, one month, and fifteen days.  I gave my life to Jesus Christ because the path I had chose was not working and needed some help.  I have an amazing wife.  I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and I get to share with high school students about how to follow Christ in their life.  God has healed me of my drug and alcohol addiction.  I have internal peace and don't feel the anger that used to control my life.

I look back and if you told me twelve years ago that this is where I would be in life I think I would have laughed at you, maybe spit in your face, and went on with my life.  God thank you for changing me and putting me where you have placed me...

I never imagined my life would end up like this but I wouldn't change it for anything!
My Family: Charity, Sophie, and Leah

5 comments:

Gibson Family said...

Neal...every time I see your blogs I am amazed by you...I did infact know that Neal in high school and what you say is true!!! All I can say is that God works in mysterious ways...

Take care,
Summer

Unknown said...

Neal,
I am so happy for you and your family. Everyday I read your posts and I can honestly say that you motivate me to not only want to know Christ better but to just be a better person.

Unknown said...

Sorry the last post was from Carrie. I forgot to add that.

Neal Benson said...

Thanks for the encouragement; its crazy what God can do when you let Him lead and learn to follow...
Its been a fun life!

Tracy and Tucker Stokes said...

I really hope you know how much Tucker and I look up to you and Charity...you both are very strong inspiring people. Thank you for showing us what true love is, with God, and each other. You guys have such a beautiful family, I loved seeing the bunch in action today when Kinzi and I visited =) I cant begin to describe how excited I am for you guys!