Pastor Mick Fleming.
A life that could have gone ‘either way’.
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Scrutinising autobiographies with a purpose to not just entertain, but to inspire me on my Christian faith, I came across a book titled Blown Away. Even the sub-title (From drug-dealer to life-bringer) was too alluring for me leave out of my well-used Kindle reader. My original intentions were to purchase, read through and if it sufficed with the goal of inspiring, offer a small review on my website. So, I read it. In its entirety. Through one sitting. And then, feeling so compelled, I did something I have never done with an author… I emailed Pastor Fleming. And, guess what! He emailed back!
I will document, only vaguely, the core elements of the book as to not ruin the magic and the potency of the words utilised by Pastor Fleming. (I would wholeheartedly encourage parting with the £10 it costs to own).
Pastor Fleming had little chance from an early age. From naïve child happiness to incredible (and highly unfair) trauma at a young age. Somewhat typical to significant trauma, is that this led to alcohol and drug misuse, and its inevitable addictions through continued and constant use.
Our protagonist expressed that he was only really happy when he was acting on what he was good at. Violence, and heavy criminal activity. From his laughing off harassment from armed police to brutal thuggery with dangerous weapons, his life’s outcome appeared to be prison sentence, homelessness or an early demise. Anything else was not only improbable, but somewhat impossible. Only, NOTHING is impossible with our Lord. Thankfully, a Lord that Pastor Fleming found (or was it the other way round?).
So, was it smooth sailing from accepting God into his life and living trouble free Christian lifestyle? Absolutely not. But if you want more detailed and honest interpretation, well, Blown Away is the book for you.
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SAVED SCHIZOPHRENIC (SS): Pastor Fleming, firstly if I can thank you for the support you’ve given me through emails, phone engagements and to welcome you as the first and well-deserved entry in my ‘Inspiring People’ category for SavedSchizophrenic.blog .
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(SS) In your book you discuss openly about suicide ideation. What would you tell somebody going through a similar thing where they feel hopelessness, unworthy, and like suicide is the only option?
Pastor Fleming (PF) I think what I’d like to say, especially now is that I used to only see things with emotions and feelings. But they’re not real emotions. Doing that I didn’t see the truth. I would say now to somebody who is suicidal is to see the truth! You do matter, people do care, your feelings now aren’t the truth. But that’s the difficulty with mental health. Your feelings are lying to you. That would be the first thing I’d say.
My second point would be it’s absolutely okay to not feel well. It’s fine, embrace it! To get well is to not live in it. They would be my two main points.
(SS) For people wanting to be a Follower of God but feel intimidated in churches, what advice would you give?
(PF) Great question. You’re not there for them. You are not there for other people. You are there for God. People can be the problem; God is the solution. Go to church to worship God and make huge changes in your life.
Church is an extension of your life, there’s people I love, there are people harder to love. But if you find God you can love anybody. So, try not to worry too much about fitting in.
It’s absolutely alright not to fit in, just be you, and be you in Christ. That changes everything!
(SS) You made a huge decision to forgive in McDonald’s. What would you say to those struggling to forgive, truly forgive, that haunts their potential for a happier life?
(PF) I would say, understanding what forgiveness was. I thought forgiveness is an… it’s alright what you did, I will let you off. But that’s not forgiveness. Forgiveness is I’m not living in your sin. It’s God that does the forgiving.
I decided to set myself free. It didn’t have a hold on me anymore. My sin was bad enough, why would I want to live in anybody else’s?
(SS) Would you do it all again? The pain, suffering, trauma and addiction, if you knew you would be making a such a significantly positive impact on so many others and their lives?
(PF) [Laughs]. I don’t think I’d want to go through the bad bits again, but I would go through it. I don’t think I would change much, everything you have been through makes you what you are. My own suffering, kind of, really, I brought on myself. Not the abuse, but although I wish I could change the people I hurt, like my family, (I would change that) but I can’t. But everybody in life goes through things. So yeah, I think, perhaps I would. But I wish it would be where I didn’t have hurt anybody else.
(SS) Finally, can you please sign my copy of Blown Away?!
I can certainly sign your copy! [laughs]. You sound a remarkable person, and I feel I admire what you’re doing. Especially what you’re trying to do with your life.
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As we came to the end of the conversation, Pastor Fleming went on to pray for me, my condition and spirit. Ending with, Alex, what if it isn’t us that are unwell, but everybody ese is? A point I’ve been making for years!
Pastor Fleming was truly brilliant, and I’m proud to have been able to offer this interview. If you’ve got anybody you wish to suggest for ‘Inspirational People’, email – alex@savedschizophrenic.blog
Thanks, again, Pastor Fleming for your time!
God Bless to you, and all those reading this! 