This interview with Jonathan Harris first appeared on the LiveJam blog.
There are many voices in this worldly wilderness we live in. What makes life meaningful? When you meet people and movements that unite to make the world a better place. Pornography is destroying young minds and hearts. The spiritual binding is too powerful for a person to break on their own. Jonathan’s life changed when he rediscovered his journey with God through LiveJam. Not only did he learn to overcome porn addiction, he found a community that reignited his walk with God.
How did you get to know about LiveJam?
I was in school when I first met Bonny who came to conduct a BreakFree Tour session. I intentionally bunked the session and was on my way out of school. My teacher saw me loitering about and took me to meet Bonny. Bonny spoke to me for a minute, and I was greatly encouraged. After the meeting with Bonny, I joined a youth community.
What was your life like before you met LiveJam in school?
I was introduced to Porn when I was in class 7 in school. I was unable to focus on my studies as the images kept playing in my head. I felt my heart cringe and get drawn to the lust of the flesh. It further affected my relationship with my parents. The growing frustration in my heart triggered anger and a rebellious nature in me. I would respond rudely to my parents, and eventually began to believe the lie that my dad hated me.
What feelings did you encounter during the healing process?
I was struggling internally because I knew I was wrong. The shame associated with watching and indulging in lewd acts when I was alone, haunted me. I’d often fall after being optimistic about having overcome it. To make matters worse, I was rebelling against my parents. Often displaying anger that made me feel sorry for my mother later. I always thought my dad hated me because of his constant correction. The frustration would drive me back into sin again. I was changing, but the struggle was real. I started to understand how to deal with my feelings better.
What impact did the community have in your life?
The youth community was a great support. Being with like-minded individuals, most importantly, those who understood or have been through similar issues. The new friends I made through the community were a great source of inspiration to me. Their stories resonated with mine, and I started to become more confident of overcoming the issue. Eventually, the love and support along with intercessory prayer changed me completely.
I will say, that you can find all sorts of people out there, good or bad. It’s your choice who you want to be with If you stick around with the wrong people you will inherit the wrong traits and vice versa.
What are your plans?
The future is in God’s hands. I want to do whatever God leads me to do. I am already on the way and trying to make each day count. I love what LiveJam is doing, reaching out to troubled teens and youth. I want to be a seed sower and an encouragement to others like Bonny and my Youth teacher were to me as there are so many waiting for that one word of encouragement that can make a difference in their lives.
What is your message to fellow youngsters?
Remember the three D's in life - DECISION, DETERMINATION, and DESTINATION. If you take the wrong path in your life, you will end up in a mess. If you take the right path, your future will be the best.
Note: I met Jonathan Harris while working with LiveJam. Then I was the in-house media strategist, and he led volunteering efforts for LiveJam.
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