Change the Mind, Change the Man

To Freddie Anderson — the preacher who never answered a question without opening the Bible first.

When I had spent years trying to fill the emptiness with everything but God — self-help books, the wisdom of man, my own reasoning — it was Freddie who showed me something I had never seen before. Not a system. Not a tradition. A method: “That’s a good question — let’s see what the Bible says about it.”

And then he would actually let the Bible answer.

He taught me how to think. How to read a passage and let it speak for itself. How to recognize error — not by memorizing someone else’s arguments, but by knowing the text well enough to see where the teaching departed from it. He taught me that if you change a person’s mind, you change everything about them — and if you don’t change their mind, you change nothing about them.

That principle — change the mind, change the man — is not just the title of this book. It is the story of my life.

This book exists because God put Freddie Anderson in my path. And while God could have used anyone, He used him. And I am grateful.

What This Book Is Not

The author holds no degree in clinical psychology, no formal psychological training, and makes no claims of such. This is not a book of psychological principles. Neither is it a book of platitudes or clichés. We don’t flinch when it comes to the hard questions, and we don’t offer easy answers where honest ones are needed.

What This Book Is

This is a straightforward examination of what God’s Word has to say about faith, hope, and love — and about overcoming the trials and temptations that come in many forms — applied directly to the reality of addiction and its aftermath.

It is also, where it serves as necessary background, about my own personal journey through addiction and the devastating consequences it brings — not only to the addict’s family, but to every life it touches.

It is about traveling through the valley — for everyone involved — and the realization that the Shepherd is already there, walking with you. And that “through” does not mean “stuck.” There is an opening at the other end.

So whether you are the one struggling with addiction, a family member, a friend, or perhaps even a victim of another person’s choices — it is my hope and prayer that this journey through Scripture will give you real answers. And that maybe, just maybe, there will come understanding, forgiveness, and restoration.

The information contained in this book is provided for spiritual encouragement and biblical study purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, clinical diagnosis, psychological counseling, or any form of licensed treatment for substance abuse, addiction, or mental health conditions.

The author is not a licensed physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, therapist, or clinical treatment provider. Nothing in this book should be construed as medical advice, psychological advice, or a recommendation to delay, discontinue, or forgo professional treatment of any kind.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, substance abuse, or a mental health crisis, please seek the help of a qualified medical or mental health professional immediately. In the event of a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services or call 911.

The personal experiences shared in this book reflect one individual’s journey and are not presented as representative of all experiences with addiction or recovery. Individual results and circumstances vary, and no specific outcome is promised or guaranteed.

Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (www.lockman.org)