My name is Jaime Barajas, and I’ve proudly maintained 19 years of sobriety. Before achieving sobriety, I was like many others struggling with addiction—feeling lost, confused, and uncertain about my future. I spent nearly eight years using hard narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine, which deeply affected my life, relationships, and health. My journey to recovery began when I entered Live Again Recovery Homes, where I received the support and guidance I needed to turn my life around. I must admit, transitioning to this new phase of life was challenging, as was accepting responsibility for my actions. I struggled deeply with letting go of my past because I clung to the excitement and thrill it once brought me. My life had become unmanageable and unstable.

Deep down, I realized that a significant change was necessary to grow and move forward. So, I poured everything into committing myself to Live Again Recovery Homes and the people there who supported me and wanted to see me change. I would love to say that I immediately understood this new change but didn’t. It took quite some time, personal reflection, and submitting myself to the people around me for their guidance and teaching. It took me over six years of dedicated commitment to Live Again Recovery Homes to reach a place of understanding finally. Not only have I achieved sobriety, but I also now enjoy a significant relationship with God. To me, this spiritual connection is one of the most important aspects of my life today. It has been a guiding force, helping me stay sober and fostering a close relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, which brings me immense peace and fulfillment. Live Again Recovery not only taught me to be sober but also helped me develop a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It showed me that there is something greater than myself—God’s infinite love and mercy—that I can always rely on during trouble. I can seek His guidance and protection through prayer, knowing He listens and cares. It reassured me that I am no longer alone in my struggles; I have an almighty and compassionate God shining His light upon me as I navigate every phase of my life, guiding and strengthening me.  I learned that simply being sober isn’t enough; my goal in life is to become truly made whole.

I realized that drug addiction wasn’t my only problem—there was a deeper, more ingrained issue within me: the sin I carried. Recognizing and accepting this inner struggle gave me a new outlook on life. It helped me understand who I really am and has been essential in my ongoing sobriety, which is entirely rooted in my faith and my commitment to Jesus Christ. Today, I find myself very blessed. I am a proud husband to my wife, Jillian, and a father to three wonderful children: Charlie, age 10; Brooklyn, age 8; and Aaron, age 5. Each day, I am grateful for the love and joy my family brings into my life. One of the greatest blessings I cherish is my wife and children, whom I consider my most precious treasures, and they never knew the man I was before, a man who was lost for many years, separated from his true purpose. I thank God for saving my life and transforming me into the man I am today. Although life is complicated and I face many challenges, I’ve learned to overcome them by relying on God for strength and wisdom. Life is sometimes unfair, but over time, I have learned to approach it differently than I used to. I now manage my life sober, which has been a significant change. I don’t let myself fall into the temptation to numb my pain because some days feel particularly difficult. Today, I choose to rely on God for guidance, as well as on my family. I draw support from the principles I was taught at Live Again Recovery Homes, which have become deeply meaningful and I keep close to my heart. I believe God saved my life through Live Again Recovery Homes as a vessel to reveal the truth and clarity I needed to move forward and rebuild my life.

Steve Baker
March 14, 2015

GREAT VETERAN’S OUTREACH TODAY.

Thanks to Lancaster Rotary for a great breakfast this morning for our Vets, and Live Again Recovery Homes for the great BBQ lunch.

Dr. Neal Green’s Dental Team, and all the volunteers & Service providers.

Grace Chapel is our gracious host, and our Vets were given services, supplies, and, information on suicide prevention through a panel discussion by Gerry Rice of the Vet Center in Palmdale, Dennis Anderson of the AV Press, Mike Bertell of Point Man Ministries, and myself, Chair of the Veteran’s Outreach Committee.

Looking forward to our next event in June. Until then hug the Vets in your life, and encourage those who struggle with life to seek help.