THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
Corbett Stone
Associate Pastor & Director of Reformers Unanimous at Florence Baptist Temple
“I am so grateful for God’s mercy and grace in my life; it has motivated me to work with others that are struggling with the bondage of addiction.” The saying goes, “Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” This quote is a reminder that we can’t know someone else’s journey without personally experiencing. When we’re faced with personal struggles, whether it be family, work, or any other issues, we tend to find those that are experiencing similar issues to grasp hold of. Corbett Stone, a former addict, now serves as the Associate Pastor and Director of Reformers Unanimous at Florence Baptist Temple. While his journey to get to this season of life was tumultuous, the testimony Corbett is able to provide to addicts and those recovering is heartfelt and wildly relatable. Like many young people, Corbett’s addiction to alcohol and drugs began as a search of acceptance from his pears. “I was thirteen years old when I first smoked a cigarette, drank a beer, and smoked marijuana. And I tried them all for the first time within the same week!” By sophomore year, Corbett was a an every-day user of marijuana and binge drank on the weekends. He also began experimenting with inhalants and hallucinogens. Corbett went on to experiment with cocaine and as a junior in college he tried crack cocaine. “After my third time using crack cocaine, I had what they call the ‘shell hit’ that rocked my world,” Corbett explains. “I immediately quit drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana to focus all of my time and money on crack cocaine.” Throughout this lifestyle, Corbett managed to hold a job. He was well-mannered, well-dressed, and well-educated. 46
VIPMagSC.com
November 2021
