“You will lose everything” – Alcohol
I saw this on a billboard years ago and I remembered thinking to myself, “how is that even possible?” Surely there had to be other factors causing someone to lose everything. Not just alcohol…
Eight years later my life became an epic example of the words on that billboard. I thought I had turned to alcohol as my saving grace but in reality, my life had turned into nothing but the ingredients for a disastrous recipe; 2 DUIs, a lack of stability, jobless, homeless, a disappointment as a mother, and so much more.
One year ago, I found myself chained, broken, and just an outer shell of what once held so much life and happiness. I stood staring at myself for what seemed like hours, confused as to who I was even looking at. Where was the happy girl who loved her career as a registered nurse and being a mom to my nine-year-old daughter? The day I no longer recognized myself was a day I will never forget. It was the day I told myself that I’d had enough.
The next day, I walked into Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge. I remember thinking to myself, “Why do I feel so peaceful and calm?” I went through detox, then the short-term program but the real work started in the long-term program. This is where I developed a strong vertical relationship with God. I realized I wanted this and God willing I was going to be transformed by the time I graduated in a year.
I learned how to read the Bible, worked diligently on my character defects, and started digging up years and years of emotional and mental neglect. I turned my ears to wisdom, my heart to understanding and set my mind to things above. Little by little, my faith and trust in God was evolving. I was baptized and my entire being had fully surrendered to Christ our Lord.
God has turned my pit of destruction into a hallelujah and now I have been redeemed, a living, walking child of God. I’m in the process of getting my license back that I lost 7 years ago, I started running again, shedding 80 lbs. of alcohol. My daughter trusts me again – no longer reminded of past disappointments. Most importantly, I’m getting me back – and I recognize the person in the mirror.
I am no longer labeled as an addict; I am labeled by God, and he calls me “Redeemed”!
Looking back on that billboard now I can picture it saying, “’I will restore everything.’ – God.” We are all God’s instruments of faith. You just have to believe it.
Thank you all so much for your support of this ministry that helped to restore my life and the lives of so many others like me.
Coming onto our campus for the first time, most clients are entirely overcome by life’s problems. They’re addicted. Broken. Many have given up. But at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, men and women find compassion and discover that second chances are available to all.
Together, we can multiply our impact, bringing hope and healing to more men and women than ever before!
