Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Smith.
Hi Rick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
This is my Rock Bottom story. I was married 13 years, three beautiful sons and a coach in the community. Everyone thought we were the all-American family. We went to church every Sunday. We taught the FCA and Bible study at church with the teenagers. Sometimes what you see on the outside isn’t truly going on on the inside. Being an athlete, my entire life it had taken its toll on my body, and the doctors began prescribing me prescription narcotics. Overtime I became physically and emotionally addicted to these pills prompting me to make some very bad choices in my life. One of those bad choices almost cost made the life of my three sons because under the influence of Xanax. I crossed a centerline on a farm road and I hit an 18 wheeler. By God’s grace we all walked away, but that was my true Rock Bottom. I lost the rights to my sons for a year couldn’t drive them. I could not be alone with them. It cost me my career. It cost me everything. I found myself sleeping behind a dumpster. I lost my home and all of my possessions and my health. My heart shut down, causing congestive heart failure. My Rock Bottom turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to me because it connected me with my heavenly father. I told him if you give me my life back I will serve you from this day forward and I meant it. I started getting disciple and I started going to AA. I went to church every Sunday and because of all that I launched a Ministry called Rock Bottom Outreach Ministries. We were there to provide direction and resources to other people that had lost their freedom. Overtime God restored everything back in my life. I have a great relationship with my sons and May 27, 2023. I received a brand new heart. I was given a full heart transplant by a young woman, the age of 34 years old. . I have since connected with the donor family and her children. God was my Rock at Rock Bottom !!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a very rough road at times. Lots of obstacles along the way . God never said the road would be easy and I learned during my journey to remain steadfast when times get hard. Just because you get your life right doesn’t make all the consequences go away. You will discover many people do not wish to forgive you and my heart really breaks for those individuals. All I can do is control me and that’s it. It is those obstacles that have made me stronger as an individual.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I now direct Rock Bottom Outreach Ministries, and I actually went back to college and got a biblical studies degree. I could not have done this without help of others, but this is one of the things that I am most proud of. Getting a degree, has always been a dream of mine. I am now ordained as a minister, licensed as a Christian Counselor, and also licensed as a chaplain. I love counseling others and helping them along the way in their journey. One of the things that Rock Bottom Outreach does is speak at different schools. We do what you call a “Real Talk “ presentation. We have spoken to approximately 75 Junior highs, high schools, and also colleges. At times I have been asked to speak to different business organizations and team building exercise.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over in the next 5 to 10 years, I see ourselves speaking on bigger platforms that God has opened up to us . The ultimate goal is to help people reach their full potential in their profession and as individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rockbottomoutreach.org
- Instagram: Rock Bottom Outreach
- Facebook: Rock Bottom Outreach
