43. Weston Clark ON: The BYU Bandit shares his Journey of Surrender. He lost his mother at 8, his Father was an Alcoholic, the things he used to cope took over his life. Broken he turned to God.

Come Towards Delight

Weston is truly one of the most joyful humans that I have ever met. He and I connected after he heard my podcast episode on Todd Sylvester’s podcast “Beliefcast”. Immediately, I felt supported, encouraged, and uplifted by him, which lead to me of course asking about his story. Weston’s story is incredible! His story and witness of God will remind you that you are God’s child, He is aware of you and loves you, and there is nothing that we cannot overcome in this life when we invite Him into our lives and let Him lead us.

Weston’s mother died when he was 8, his father was an alcoholic growing up. He was teased and bullied by grade school peers when his mother died which affected his self esteem daily. To overcome loneliness and shame Weston turned to Alcohol, Marijuana, Meth, etc… and began turning to them daily. Soon after graduating High school, Weston and his girl friend had a baby together and life became very difficult for both of them, as they continued to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the chaos that life can sometimes bring.

One Day, unexpectedly a police officer, who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the same church that Weston was raised in, called Weston out of the blue and said he wanted to give something to Weston, scared that he was going to be arrested Weston accepted and he was given a book about his mother. Reading this book was the first time Weston felt Gods love for him. He tried hard to overcome the drinking and drug addictions but he didn’t have the tools or the help to overcome it. After a few short experiences in and out of jail, he lost the right to take care of his children and he began facing the shame.

Weston talks about his co-dependency with women, due to losing his mother at such an young age and coping with that by always finding women to spend time with, which most often times to using drugs together. He explains that he truly longed to be loved by a woman, and tried to reconcile with his X, which didn’t happen, and he became so depressed that suicide began an option for him. Life was very dark for Weston to the point that he decided he wanted to not only use drugs but deal drugs so that people would need him. Feeling needed, caused Weston’s ego to explode and he felt on top of the world, but that only lasted for so long… He was in an out of jail multiple times and during his last arrest, he was so broken that he finally gave the idea of needing to change his life, space. Homeless, alone, and desperately in need of help, Weston reached out to a brother. Weston’s brother had been feeling feelings that Weston was in trouble in the days leading up to Weston’s call, so he came running to Weston’s help. Rules were made, boundaries were set, his brother made him go to a recovery center which was exactly what Weston was finally ready for because he was broken and humbled.

Enter God… Weston began to read the Book of Mormon and focus on surrendering to God. He felt the light come into his life. Although he believed in God even through it all, he didn’t choose to put himself in a position to be found by God, but this time in humility and meekness he was ready to give himself to God. Weston bears a sincere and humble testimony and witness of Jesus Christ and of Jesus Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice for each and every one of us. He went from a man that had absolutely nothing going for him, surrounded in darkness and loneliness, to a life full of light and energy, ready to lift and serve others and committed to being an incredible father for his children. His faith is nothing short of miraculous and he now looks back at the past and with thankfulness shares his gratitude for the the soul stretching trials that he has passed through, and the addictions that in the past ruled his life, because it is as a result of the struggles, mistakes, and darkness, that he has found the light, redemption, and unconditional love of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Make sure to stay tuned until the end as Weston shares a heart felt message to his children.

Weston, you are such an incredible man. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story and witness with us. You are a hero and will help so many as you continue to share your story, Share your witness of Jesus Christ. You are a light brother, let it shine!!