Reverend Louis J. Mitchell

reverend louis j. mitchell: Dancing with a Limp

There were moments when the pain felt inescapable and insurmountable. Nights when I couldn’t get drunk enough or high enough to avoid my feelings. I tried to take my life more than once and wept when I was unsuccessful. I put myself in situations hoping that someone else would kill me, over and over and over again.

I am an alcoholic and an addict. I have done sex work. I have been a thief. I’ve lied and connived. I have done whatever I needed to do to survive. If you’ve ever made choices that were from both survival and a complete lack of concern about the consequences, you’ll understand what that was like. I felt courageous and I felt like shit.

In this journey – long, arduous, funny, dangerous, sad, thrilling, and mundane – I have landed in a place of unexpected wholeness and gratitude.

Dear reader, I believe that every one of us has something to give. I invite you to take time to find your superpower! We need you! We’ve been waiting for you, your singular, unique, beautiful, and amazing self. While we may or may not have similar stories, we are each distinct and bring our own value to life and this shared community.

I want to read your story. I want to know what’s challenged you and what has brought you joy. And hope. I want to hear about your losses and how you’ve managed to get through to today. I hope that my story is an encouragement to you. I’m certain yours would be for me.

And still, I dance! Despite and because of all that I’ve experienced.

This is an invitation to dance with me!