Oct. 5: Book Launch - “My Drug Dealer Brought Me to God” by Ryan Joseph Allen

We’re very excited to be hosting a book launch event at 7:00pm on Tuesday, October 5 in the Church, for Ryan Joseph Allen’s new book, My Drug Dealer Brought Me To God. Below is a Youtube link for the event for anyone who would like to view the event from home. Please help us in showing Mr. Allen our support!!!!

Ryan Joseph Allen

Below is more information about My Drug Dealer Brought Me To God as well as Mr. Allen:

Ryan Joseph Allen’s life was on a downward trajectory. As a child, he felt different from other kids and struggled to fit in. Even at a tender age he contemplated suicide. In his teenage years and as a young adult, he hid his true self and numbed his emotional turmoil with alcohol, drugs, and self-destructive behaviors. When he summoned the courage to share his secret and come out to a close friend, her response added another layer of self-hatred. How could he love and accept himself as a gay man when he was taught that God and the Church considered it wrong?

In “My Drug Dealer Brought Me to God,” Allen recounts his quest to find meaning, self-acceptance, and his life’s purpose. He battles addiction, the heartache of disappointing, toxic relationships, and alienation from his family. One day his co-worker, roommate, friend, and drug dealer, Marie, shares her belief that God made everyone for a purpose and wants us to be ourselves. The conversation ignites Allen’s new understanding of how faith can be inclusive, while stepping into his own definition of God. 

Becoming a parent and the desire to be a positive role model for his daughter is a turning point. With God as the focal point of his spiritual journey, Allen comes to understand that change has to start from within. He breaks the cycle of family trauma and recognizes his true mission: to teach, support, motivate, and lead other people to love. He learns to balance his faith while affirming and being a warrior for the LGBTQ+ community. Allen’s honesty and courage in telling his story is an inspiring message to us all that everyone has a story to share, and within sharing our collective stories we can all grow and heal.

I was my worst villain.

I was my worst victim.

I learned how to be my best hero!

As you dive into your own journey follow along with the 40-page guided workbook.

Ryan’s bio: 

Ryan Joseph Allen is an Author, Transformational & Spiritual Coach, and Speaker sharing his life experiences, vast nonprofit expertise, and ultimately leading leaders. Ryan authentically shares his story to inspire others to share their stories. When we show up hyper-authentically we are able to help change those around us simply by being oneself.

Ryan has navigated the nonprofit sector by cofounding, founding, and acting as the Executive Director for various nonprofit organizations. His goal is to LEAD the LEADERS and show others how to impact the community and world through kindness, acceptance, and love!

Ryan is wrapping up his dissertation for his doctorate in education (Ed.D) bridging the gap between leadership and spirituality. His focus is on posttraumatic growth after lived or perceived religious trauma within the LGBTQ+ community. Hire him to speak by visiting ryanjosephallen.com. 

A significant gap exists in the LGBTQ+ community and organized religion. This leads to much higher rates of addiction, abuse, mental health issues, and ultimately suicide. Often through spiritual connection these rates decrease and create an overall healthier life. Through authentically telling ones story Ryan desires to close the gap and to assist others in finding hope.

Ryan traversed opioid addiction, severe mental health issues, and suicide. His drug dealer made this journey possible by helping him reconnect with his true version of God. In order to share his story more widely 15 hours of his recorded memoir is being turned into a physical book, ebook, audiobook, workbook and a raw podcast. The workbook will encourage journaling of new ideas and ah-ha moments while outlining key concepts and will be structured for individual reflection, one-on one, or group work. Through this work Ryan is closing the gap by bringing together those in the LGBTQ, mental health, spiritual/religious and recovery communities. These marginalized and underserved communities (LGBTQ+, mental health, and recovery) benefit from the love and guidance formally through the workbook exercises and informally through learning from Ryan’s story how to love and accept themselves. This work helps others by giving them the tools to help themselves in healing their wounds and traumas. Through healing and growth addictions, mental health issues, and suicidal thoughts and tendencies diminish. We create a better world by authentically sharing our stories and removing the barriers that hold so many back. We achieve it together by shining light on our stories and putting love and acceptance first.