Literary Las Vegas

Jud Wilhite, senior pastor at Central Christian Church, is the author of several books -- "Eyes Wide Open: See and Live the Real You," "Stripped: Uncensored Grace on the Streets of Vegas" and his newest, "Throw It Down: Leaving Behind Behaviors and Dependencies that Hold You Back."

The latest book includes stories born from Central Christian's recovery groups -- covering everything from drug to porn addiction -- combined with Wilhite's personal experiences kicking substance abuse and anger issues.

For more information about the book, visit judwilhite.com.

Excerpt from
"Throw It Down"

As Bill reads through his detailed lists of ways in which he has hurt others, his mind settles on one moment deep into his addiction to methamphetamines. Having moved back home, his life collapsing around him, he found a letter while pilfering through his mother's jewelry box. Seeing his name on the salutation, he began to read -- his mother pleaded for him to get help while informing him of the chaos he had created with in the family, including her near divorce. Bill remembers the stab of pain but, even worse, remembers ignoring his regret after finding the perfect ring to pawn for his next high.

"There was a point where I put pen to paper and laid everything out -- the good, bad, and the ugly. I had to deal with my destructive habits, resentments, fears of living sober, and the pain and hurt I had caused my family and others. When I saw it all on paper I couldn't deny it anymore.