Dead for 4 Minutes. Alive by Grace - Part #1
A conversation between Ron Glenk, guest; and Devaughn Williamson, host.
Ron’s story is one filled with countless reminders of the grace of God, and the power of determination. As a child, Ron always excelled in sports. That athleticism also helped him when he joined the Marine Corps. But hiding under all the success he’d accomplished was pride and an idea of self-reliance.
One day, Ron had a heated argument with his mom, and had enough of feeling like we was being controlled. He allowed pride to drive him to move out the house and move down to Florida to live with his biological father. That was the beginning of the end for Ron. He quickly dropped out of school, disconnected from his christian upbringing, and traded it for endless alcohol bottles.
In an attempt to find meaning for his life, Ron joined the Marines. During his time in bootcamp, he was thriving. But since he still struggled with pride and addiction, Ron became tangled in a life of violence and rebellion. That life eventually produced a fruit in his life. Ron found himself court-martialed, imprisoned and doing a stint of 21 days in solitary confinement. That time of complete silence with his thoughts forced Ron to reflect on how much of a mess his life was becoming.
The Accident That Changed Everything
But things continued to get worse for Ron. After getting discharged from the Marines, he went back home to New Hampshire and dove head first into a life dominated by alcohol. One night, Ron was involved in a horrific drunk-driving accident where the car slammed into a telephone while he was going 84 mph while not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead for four minutes before being revived at the hospital and placed on life support. Ron was in a coma for 16 days-a true miracle coma recovery. All during that time, a member of Ron’s old faith community showed up to pray for him. This near death experience testimony reminds us that prayer and faith, even in the darkest times, can change the outcome.
Rather than having a grateful attitude to be alive, Ron began to think he was invincible. His pride was at an all time high. He continued to live a reckless life, spending all that he had until he had nothing left. But God never gave up on Ron. He kept pursuing him even through the battle of addition and the hope of deliverance from alcoholism.
Life After Near Death Experience
With nothing left, Ron moved back to Oklahoma with his parents. His childhood was the only remembrance Ron had to God. Shortly after, he started attending church again and became a personal trainer which allowed him to rediscover purpose for his life. But it quickly disappeared as Ron’s pride emerged once again. Ron was recruited by a school-hospital partnership to train athletes and staff. It was a dream job because it gave him credibility, influence and recognition, which fueled his pride.
Ron met his wife during this season of his life, and they got married in 2007. As their family grew, Ron entered into the world of finance. What started off as curiosity turned into a calling. Ron was able to go back to school that was fully paid for. After graduating, Ron entered a finance training program that had a 33% success rate. Against all odds, he succeeded. He was promoted and eventually offered a prestigious role in New York City. He accepted the role, but failed to consult his wife about it. Professionally, the move was the best thing ever, but personally, it was a disaster. Ron quickly found himself working 16-hour days and constantly traveling and as a result neglected his family. It was long after getting settled did Ron find himself drinking alcohol and various happy hours and work parties.
Despite outward success, his inner world crumbled. He alienated his team, chased ego-driven accomplishments, and ultimately lost his position. His wife’s response was firm and faithful when she said “We’re going back to Oklahoma.” And this time, Ron listened.
In 2017, they returned home. Ron was still drinking, still proud, but back in fellowship. God was still working. Over the next two years, God began to break down the walls. In 2018, Ron finally got sober for good by surrendering to God. In 2019, he was offered a new job, one he hadn’t even sought out, but God was showing his faithfulness.
Want to know the rest of the story? Check out part two of Ron’s story!
If Ron’s story inspired you, consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement. And I encourage you to partner with Faith Ignite to help bring more stories of hope to the world. Together, we can spread messages of God's faithfulness to those who need it most.
Devaughn Williamson President, Faith Ignite Inc
