Transparency, Faith, and the Journey Forward

A personal story about pain, faith, recovery, and the importance of transparency in business. At Bloodfallen’s CB Corner, we believe in honesty, growth, and letting our faith guide the journey.

Christopher Sumrall

3/22/20263 min read

At Bloodfallen’s CB Corner, we believe in being transparent about who we are and what we stand for.

Recently, while scrolling through my Facebook feed, I came across a post saying that Denny’s would not seat customers who had a strong marijuana odor. Without thinking, I responded with a comment. Later, I realized I had posted it from my business profile. I became concerned that my comment might give people the impression that I currently smoke marijuana, so I wanted to take a moment to share my story openly and honestly.

For decades, I have suffered from chronic back and neck pain. On April 9th, 2021—my birthday—I went in for a cervical fusion surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as planned. After 3 days in recovery, they decided to discharge me. I thought I was in the clear! During the ride home from Jackson, MS to Hattiesburg, MS, it felt like jackhammers going off in my chest. When I finally arrived home, I stood up one time and fell straight back in my seat. I had lost everything from the chest down!

By the grace of God and a long road of rehabilitation, I fought my way back. After about a year and a half of therapy and recovery, I was finally able to return home and regain mobility with the help of a walker.

Before my surgery, I had tried drinking to cope with the pain. That road didn’t lead anywhere good. The hangovers and the toll it took on my life made me realize it wasn’t the answer. Eventually, I stopped drinking and obtained a medical marijuana license to help manage my pain.

During my time in rehabilitation, doctors placed me on prescription pain medication. When I returned home, I went back to using marijuana instead because I did not want to rely on pain pills long-term.

After a few years, however, I began taking my relationship with my Lord and Savior more seriously. One day I asked a simple question:

“Why do I no longer dream dreams?”

In a moment of stillness, without distractions, I heard a clear and audible response for the first time in my life. One word came to me:

“Marijuana.”

At the time, I didn’t immediately assume it was the Holy Spirit. I wanted to test it. So I researched it, and I discovered that daily marijuana use can suppress REM sleep—the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs.

I wanted my dreams back. So I quit.

After praying about how to handle my pain moving forward, I began exploring other options. Traditional physical therapy often pushed my body too far, but eventually I was introduced to aqua therapy—physical therapy done in a pool.

It has helped me more than anything else I’ve tried.

At Bloodfallen’s CB Corner, we want people to know exactly who we are. Yes, you might see Scripture on our website or on our social media. My faith is an important part of my life and the way I run my business.

But let me be clear about something: I am not a perfect Christian. There is no such thing.

Like everyone else, I have faults, struggles, and lessons I’m still learning. What I can promise is that I will continue striving to grow, to improve, and to walk closer with God each day.

The Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron.” We help strengthen each other through honesty, fellowship, and faith.

And as Scripture reminds us, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”

So depending on the conversation and where the moment leads, sometimes we might even have a little church while you’re here.

And that’s okay.

Because at the end of the day, Bloodfallen’s CB Corner isn’t just about CB radios.

It’s about community, honesty, and faith along the journey.