Over the years, I have been accused of being on a soapbox, a high horse and, a while ago in a letter to the editor, a writer said that I was on a pedestal. Those accusations couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Let me set the record straight.

When I was 16 years old, I was told to leave my parents’ house because of my rebellious attitude. I dropped out of high school in the ninth grade and succumbed to alcoholism and drug addiction. I frequented facilities such as homeless missions, soup kitchens, drug rehabilitation facilities, detoxes and jail. I smoked four packs of cigarettes a day, a habit I picked up from the winos I hung out with on the streets, and was proud to show off my tattoos and had a filthy mouth. I was promiscuous and had no use for advice from my elders.

As a result of that lifestyle, I pay a high price, even to this very day, by having to always settle for low-paying jobs and working long hours just to pay the bills.

Thirteen years ago, I accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ into my heart, and my lifestyle has changed dramatically.

If anyone knows right from wrong, it’s me.

If my warnings to the youth of this generation seem a bit strong, I make no apology.

Am I holier than thou? If so, it’s a big step up from where I once was.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston