Guest Contributor – Rob Decker
I grew up in a home filled with conflict, emotional struggles, and substance use. Law enforcement was frequently at our house, and I watched my father constantly challenge authority. At a very young age, I experienced a traumatic event that I kept to myself for years. Shortly after, around the age of 10, I became deeply involved in unhealthy habits that only fueled my struggles.
At 14, after my first experience drinking, I witnessed something that deeply impacted me. That moment sent me down a dark path of substance abuse that lasted for the next 20 years. During that time, my life spiraled out of control, leading to a devastating moment – a suicide attempt at 29 that left me with severe injuries.
At 34, after years of pain and self-destruction, I finally broke free from addiction—but not by my own strength. It took a divine encounter with God to turn my life around completely. Since then, I have dedicated my life to helping others find healing. As a recovery coach, mentor, fitness coach, and faith-led man, I walk alongside people who are struggling, sharing my story to remind them they are not alone and that they are heard. My mission is to help others begin their journey of healing, just as I did.
The state of mental health issues is reaching alarming new levels, and the “silent crisis” continues to grip the minds of men and women. The problem is far too big to continue to ignore.
Our world runs rampant with despair, isolation, and pain. I want to use my experiences to offer hope, healing, and restoration for others who feel lost and, in their own minds, believe that there is no hope. There is a ‘silent crisis, the number of people with a mental health issue is growing at an astonishing rate. It’s time to bridge the gap with mental health systems and provide informal support for all who deal with various issues.
One way I do this is through a ministry that I founded called Rise As Lions – a hub of hope in Colorado Springs that offers a variety of ways to connect with the recovery and mental health communities.
I’ve been able to connect with recovery groups that are faith-based and mental health organizations that may not be faith-based, but they support what we do.
One way Rise As Lions has made those connections is through Recovery Rebels Softball: softball teams comprised of men at various stages of recovery. Team members are supported through their journey by being with like-minded people who understand their challenges. How do they understand? Because they’ve been there.
When I first moved to Colorado Springs, I was constantly around drug and alcohol use. I saw a lot of that happening in our community. I saw so much brokenness. So, God called me into the softball community to be a light.
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