A Progressive Minister—with a Twist

I call myself a progressive minister, but not in the typical sense. I believe the heart of the gospel is love—plain and simple. It's not about measuring up, because even on our best days, none of us do.

The message I see in scripture isn't one of fear or condemnation, but of assurance: that our well-being has already been provided for, not because we earned it, but because we’re loved. Still, human nature being what it is, we often make this critical error—we view other people's flaws as unforgivable, while giving ourselves a pass.

So yes, I’m a progressive minister—with a twist.

Take hell, for instance. I don’t believe it’s a real, literal place. But I choose to live my life in such a way that if it were, I wouldn't be heading there. Not out of fear, but out of principle.

There are denominations that insist baptism must be performed using the specific phrase "in the name of Jesus" or it doesn’t count. I don’t subscribe to that legalism—but for the record, I was baptized in Jesus’ name.

Others believe that speaking in tongues is the only proof you’re saved. I don't agree with that either. Still, I speak in tongues. See the pattern? I don’t follow doctrine blindly, but neither do I throw away the spirit behind it.

I believe in the sovereign hand of God—not as some puppet master pulling strings, but as a divine presence guiding us, even redeeming our worst mistakes. We’re not pawns, though. We’re responsible.

We still suffer the fallout of our poor choices. In that way, I do believe in judgment—not eternal punishment, but consequences. Earthly reaping. You sow bitterness, it’ll find its way back. You plant love, it comes full circle. Karma, chickens coming home to roost, the law of the harvest—it’s all the same truth in different languages.

That’s how I live my life: trying to do more good than bad, knowing full well I’ll reap what I sow, good or bad.

At my core, I carry a worldview that always includes a cushion—a hedge against the unknown. In the secular world, I’ve built a life I’m proud of. I’ve got a stable job, we live comfortably, we drive new cars. But I also keep three used ones. We have an investment property with a month-to-month tenant—just in case.

Maybe it’s because I lived so recklessly in my youth. Now, I try to thrive, but wisely. I don’t take wild chances anymore. I live consciously, I love deliberately, and I always make sure my family is going to be alright.

And here’s the thing—I don’t preach theory. That’s what most religious leaders do. Whether preacher, rabbi, or imam, they mostly speculate. They teach theory wrapped in tradition. But me? I talk about what I know works. I try to approach faith like a scientist: reasonably, honestly, and experientially.

As for the Creator, I don’t claim to fully understand. But I believe in a higher force, not because I was taught to, but because I’ve lived long enough to see the patterns. You put a wet saltine cracker in an aquarium, and in a few days, green life shows up. That mold can't comprehend you, its creator, anymore than we can comprehend the fullness of whatever created us. But the fact remains (to me)—we were created, somehow. The Big Bang would be when it all started... for us.

Now, about hell again—from a quantum physics standpoint, maybe there's a version of reality where something like hell exists. Another dimension? A multiverse could theoretically contain all outcomes. I don’t pretend to know. So I live my life to be covered, however it plays out.

I don’t walk around judging people. But I do walk carefully, trying not to offend, trying to bring more peace than pain. I hold space for mystery, and I try to be kind. That, to me, is what real faith looks like.

Is There a Link Between Alzheimer’s and Substance Use?

This afternoon, I found myself reflecting on Alzheimer's disease—and a question rose in my mind that I believe many of us should be asking: Could long-term drug and alcohol use be a contributing factor to developing Alzheimer’s later in life?

The thought isn't random. It’s grounded in a simple observation: the sensation of being “high” or intoxicated is not just a feeling—it’s a direct result of how substances chemically alter the brain. When that alteration becomes routine, prolonged, and intense, what is the long-term cost?

Speaking from experience, I know the effects of what I call “artificial attitude adjusters.” I began intensely using in the military at age 18. I stayed in that lifestyle until age 28, when I made a life-altering decision to walk away from it all.

Now, at almost 67, I’ve been sober for nearly 40 years. I’ve spent those decades living with discipline—grounded in clean nutrition, regular exercise, spiritual development, and a relentless pursuit of growth.

My hope—and belief—is that I’ve not only healed from my past, but also fortified my mind and body in the process.

But my question still lingers—not out of fear, but out of awareness. Let’s take a look at the medical evidence.

The Medical View: What Science Says About Substance Use and Cognitive Decline

Numerous studies have shown that chronic alcohol use can significantly damage the brain. Alcohol, especially when consumed heavily over long periods, causes brain shrinkage—particularly in areas tied to memory and executive function, like the hippocampus and frontal lobe.

It also compromises the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxins to reach areas of the brain they were never meant to. Over time, this deterioration contributes to what’s known as alcohol-related dementia, a condition that mirrors many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

As for drug use, the picture is equally sobering. Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as long-term use of opioids or benzodiazepines, have been linked to memory loss, reduced cognitive flexibility, and damage to the brain’s neural circuitry. The brain adapts to repeated intoxication by rewiring itself, and in doing so, often damages the very networks it needs to stay sharp as we age.

Even marijuana, while often considered mild, has been shown in some long-term studies to affect short-term memory and motivation when used chronically, especially during adolescent brain development.

A powerful study published in The Lancet Public Health found that people with alcohol use disorders were over three times more likely to develop any form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The damage isn't just emotional or social—it’s anatomical.

Why Lifestyle Redemption Matters

That said, the story doesn’t have to end there. Researchers have also found that the brain has a remarkable capacity for neuroplasticity—the ability to heal, rewire, and strengthen itself—when given the right environment.

A healthy lifestyle built on nutrient-dense foods, physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, strong relationships, and purposeful living can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, even in those who had earlier risk factors like substance use. This is not anecdotal hope—it’s science. What we do in our 40s, 50s, and 60s has a profound effect on how well our minds hold up in our 70s, 80s, and beyond.

So, in asking whether past drug and alcohol use increases the risk of Alzheimer’s, the answer is: Yes, it can. But the second part of that truth is just as vital: What you do after you stop matters even more.

Final Word

If you’ve walked a road like mine—if you’ve lived hard in your early years, but turned the page—you are not doomed. You are, in fact, proof that transformation is real. Your commitment to health, discipline, and clear thinking doesn’t just help your heart and body—it protects your mind.

For me, every healthy choice I make is another brick in the fortress guarding my future. I believe we are never too far gone, never too late, and never too old to do right by our minds.

Walking It Out: The Unseen Power of Commitment in a Distracted Age

In a world dominated by distraction, instant gratification, and social noise, the pursuit of long-term goals can feel nearly impossible. For many, the idea of following through on a dream feels like a romantic notion reserved for youth or the lucky few. But the truth is this: what you want is still within reach. You haven’t aged out of growth. The obstacle is not your ability—it’s your willingness to walk it out.

Too often, when faced with difficulty or delay, we forfeit our dreams at the first sign of struggle. But if we are honest, the real problem is not the challenge itself; it's that we've allowed modern life to dull the qualities we once had as children: persistence, resilience, and simple belief. Think of a toddler learning to walk. They fall dozens of times, but never quit. If adults applied that same tenacity to their goals, their lives would be dramatically different.

This essay is about reclaiming that mindset. It's about taking responsibility for your life and rejecting the temptation to surrender because "it takes too long" or "it’s too hard." Whether you’re chasing a degree at 50, running your first mile at 60, or pursuing a dream after years of dormancy, this message is for you. It’s not about having the perfect plan; it’s about starting with the part you can control and staying pliable along the way.

I offer no theories here, only what I know from living it. I worked full-time while earning three degrees. I became a scuba diver at 62. I raised a daughter who learned how to run a mile not because it was easy, but because she decided to keep trying through tears. The same persistence lives in you. The process will be uncomfortable. It will require adaptation. But it will work if you work it.

Do not fear the slow path. Refuse to be paralyzed by perfectionism. The first step is enough to start. The rest unfolds. You don’t need all the answers—you need commitment. Plans evolve because you evolve. Growth happens not in leaps, but in daily decisions.

Stay positive. Be kind. Avoid the toxicity of blame, gossip, and negativity. Take care of your health. Encourage others. Focus on what you can do, not what others won’t do for you. The path to your dream isn’t blocked by institutions or policies as much as it is by hesitation, excuses, and self-sabotage.

So start. Then keep going. Adjust as you grow. And when you reach your goal, you’ll not only inspire others, but you’ll realize the journey made you more powerful, more joyful, and more capable than you ever imagined.

Interpretation: This message is ultimately about rediscovering agency—that deeply personal sense of ownership over one's life. It calls on readers to shake off the disempowering habits of excuse-making, negativity, and stagnation, and to return to the raw determination we all once had. The heart of the essay is not success for its own sake, but the reclamation of personal power through unwavering commitment.

Analysis: In a time when so many feel powerless—due to societal shifts, economic pressure, or personal loss—this message is profoundly relevant. It stands in contrast to a culture that glorifies ease and shuns struggle. It speaks especially to those who feel overlooked, discouraged, or weighed down by regret. The promise here is not false hope, but real transformation grounded in personal responsibility and consistent effort. In a society obsessed with shortcuts and influencers, what people truly crave is sustainable, inner-powered progress.

Life Application: You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to begin. Identify one area of your life where you have quit prematurely. Ask yourself what it would look like to start again. Make a plan—even if it’s just for this week. Then follow through. Expect discomfort, but keep moving. Take care of your health, not just for longevity but for clarity. And above all, commit to being the kind of person who keeps going.

Self-Assessment Questions:

1. What goals have I abandoned due to fear, fatigue, or self-doubt?

2. Do I hold a victim mindset, or do I see myself as the author of my life?

3. When was the last time I committed to something long-term and followed through?

4. How has negativity, either in myself or in others, held me back?

5. Do I have a plan in place for one of my dreams? If not, why?

6. In what ways can I be more consistent with my physical, emotional, or mental health?

7. What would my life look like one year from now if I simply refused to give up?

   
   

Stay with it. Your future self is counting on you.