480-When Lust No Longer Rules Your Mind: Patrick's Freedom Story

When Lust No Longer Rules Your Mind: Patrick's Freedom Story

It’s a quiet kind of bravery that often goes unseen. The kind that walks through the door not to applause, but to shame—and chooses humility instead of hiding. 

That’s the kind of courage Patrick brought into this conversation. And today, I want to honor that bravery and invite you into a story that too few are willing to tell, but so many need to hear.

How Addiction and Lust Took Root in Patrick’s Life

This is not just a testimony—it’s a mirror for so many men. Maybe even you.

Patrick didn’t set out to become enslaved. No one does. It started with what seemed like innocent attention, where his lack of parental love likely was at the root. A college-aged ego boost. A swipe here. A message there. A few flirty words on a dating app. But what he didn’t know was that the enemy had planted seeds. And what felt like harmless validation from unmet needs, eventually spiraled into addiction, and eventually betrayal.

But God—

Yes, this is a story of rock-bottom moments. It’s a story of a man whose addiction, lust, and even prostitution came to light in the most painful and humiliating way. 

But it's also a story of a God who meets us in our darkest, filthiest, most shameful pits—and brings us into the light.

And you’ll hear how it happened for Patrick.

The Heartbreaking Wake-Up Call: What His Daughter Found

The real wake-up call came when his wife found the proof. Actually—his daughter did.

Yes. Patrick’s 6-year-old daughter accidentally discovered the messages.

Gut-wrenching. Embarrassing. Devastating. 

That moment of exposure was the very thing that broke him enough to seek healing.

Now, he calls it a “blessing”.

The devil thrives in secrecy. He whispers, "Keep this hidden.” “It’ll only hurt people if you share.” and “You can fix it yourself." 

But Jesus says, "Bring it into the light. Tell safe people. Confess. I will heal you."

Patrick did. And his life changed.

Why Hiding Hurts—and Confession Heals

But let’s rewind for a second.

Because this story didn’t begin with healing. It began with desperation.

After that discovery, Patrick didn’t know where to turn. He thought he might lose his wife. And to be honest, she had every reason to walk away.

But then, a friend—someone who had been through the program himself—spoke life. This friend had also been in the trenches and knew what it was like. 

And he offered Patrick a lifeline: “It’s not over. There is hope. You should look into Delight Your Marriage.”

Patrick took a Clarity Call. It wasn’t a sales pitch. It wasn’t about convincing him to join a program. It was a discerning process to see if we could even help. And praise God, we could.

The Hard Work of True Freedom: Identity, Humility, and Accountability