My name is Michael Murray and I am the current senior resident of the Mann House. I am currently in my sixth month of an eight month journey here in the house. The foundation built here will continue to be built upon block by block, nail by nail, for as long as God allows. I am blessed to have been able to come to the Mann House and as I look back to my first day, I can see how far I have traveled down the path of proper living.

I have learned many life skills and spiritual lessons in my stay. The first is the power of a group of people with direction. I have been shown how to work as a team to accomplish large scale tasks during our nightly chores and Sunday’s gratitude work around the house. I have learned that ups and downs are a normal part of life and that I can grow through the downs and enjoy the ups. The earth is not flat, there are mountains and valleys. So is it in life. I have learned to be honest with myself and others. If I make a mistake, I own up to it and accept the consequences. I don’t have to cover up my imperfections; I have to expose them so they can be dealt with. I have learned the importance of discipline. I used to do what I felt like doing.

Now, I exert effort into doing what is right, regardless if I feel like doing it. I see the importance of journaling, as it is a review of the day that shows me what I need to change. I have learned compassion and that my experience can help others inside this house, in AA, and also in the community. I have learned to set and meet goals. I used give myself away in order to please others so they may accept me. Now, as long as I am true to the Lord and myself, it’s okay if people don’t accept me. Sometimes rejection means that I am doing the right thing. To sum up my experience, I have learned that I have a lot to learn and it will always be that way.

God Bless,
Michael Murray