Saving Lives

When I was a kid I can remember dreaming of being a hero. In high school, I settled on becoming a nurse and saving lives, but as a teenager I made the mistake of not taking school serious. Though my dreams never faded.
We never know what the future holds. My life isn't how I planned it to be. I never planned on being an addict. I didn't understand God's plan, until I decided to go back to school to be a substance abuse counselor. So here I am 30 years young, married, a mother to 2 beautiful boys, and back in college.
I woke up just like every day. Took the boys to school and on my way to school I went. It was a very big day for me. It was a Monday and I had two finals in two of my major subjects. I made it to Biology, finished that exam, and had 3 hours until my math exam. I decided to go home,work on my English paper, and at 1 o'clock go back for my math final.
As I was on my way home, I pulled up to a wreck. Two vehicles had hit head on. I wonder to myself,"Where are the cops?" Not realizing this had just happened. There was a young man running down his driveway. As he screams, "I have one in this car!!!" I walk up to an unrecognizable SUV that was smoking bad. I see a lady in the driver's seat who is pinned in the car. I tried to open the door but it was unsuccessful. I look in the back seat and see the back of a little girls head. She wasn't moving nor was she crying. I call 911 and eventually hand my phone off to the guy to the let them know exactly where we were. In the midst of him talking, I hear a kid cry out. Realizing this little girl is not the only kid. I run around the car trying to open a door, any door, every door was locked including the back hitch. I'm panicking and shaking. I pick up a slither of plastic of the road. Pulling on the door till I could pry the piece in there to reach the lock and unlock button. The first time I hit the lock button, second time I finally hit the unlock. I can remember screaming, "Someone please come open the door!" I jumped down off the sidebar rushed to open the door. When I opened the door, my heart broke into pieces, I couldn't believe that this was really happening, it all felt like a nightmare.
I will be speaking at Easley Baptist Church May 30th at 6:00 for Redeemed Ministries. I will share this story and finish it. Just remember our testimonies are never over, it might not make sense to us right now, or it may test our faith... But it's up to us to stay in his word and keep fighting the good fight. God bless you all and please come and hear a part of my testimony. We all have a love story with God. Love

Is that My Voice?

Is that My Voice?

I never knew how uneducated I was about the devil's works and goals. I never realized the voice in my head that belittled me, convinced me, and preached the negative of myself was the work of him. I mean it was my voice or at least it sounded like me. All along, I thought I was talking to myself. I have always joked with friends and family about how it's ok if you talk to yourself, but it's bad when you start to answer yourself. Lol. Well, I wished I would have listened to my own jokes. I can remember all these bad thoughts would flood my head- No one really cares about you, you think God is going to help you now that you're on drugs, you think your husband loves you- he cant even stand to be home with you, no one wants to help you, no one cares about your troubles much less your struggles, you tried God and look where you stand- alone, broken, and a used soul that can't be repaired. I begin to believe these lies.

How could I even begin to turn my life around? Happiness was something I could no longer piece in my life, self-respect disappeared, Faith disintegrated, my spirit was broken, and worst of all I sold my soul to the devil. I wanted more than anything to begin again, but that was something I wasn't equipped to do. All I knew to do was run, and when I say run I mean numb, my issues. I was trying to lie my way out of being my family's disappointment. There were many problems I was trying to run and hide from starting with my marriage problems, my family issues, and being so weak that I turned to drugs.

When I thought about quitting, I thought quitting the drug itself was going to be the hardest part, but the truth is that was the easiest part of it all. The hardest part is staying away from it, changing your entire life, from the way you handle life, people who were in your life, the friends you have to let go of, the places that hold your painful past, speaking the truth of all the lies I told, expressing feelings that I am not comfortable with; then you have to go about asking for forgiveness, forgiving yourself, forgiving others, let go of your shame, but most of all live your life for/through Jesus Christ. PRAY TO HIM ABOUT EVERYTHING.

I am positive I have heard that advice many times, but failed to follow threw with it.

When I was using, it didn't help me like I thought, my darkness became my darkest and deepest depression that I ever could imagine. I didn't thank God much, because I couldn't see my blessings through my pain and loneliness. Selfish. I know this, but isn't that how the devil works? He would use the expression: 'Well no one is perfect everyone sins." So, if I do this sin and still go to church on Sunday, isn't that still praising the good Lord?"

I have wasted more time trying to justify my reasons of using, rather than doing what I really wanted deep down. I wanted to be right with God, but I failed. I wanted blessings, but I couldn't get ahold of my sin. I wanted to let go of my resentment and fears, but I couldn't rid the devil. Rehab was a must for me, that's where I could finally get in touch with God, without giving in to the devil. That's where me and my father reunited.

Change is not easy. No matter what anyone says. IT IS HARD!!!! AND WELL WORTH THE HARDSHIP AND STRUGGLE!!! Many people don't understand or maybe I should say they underestimate the relationship us recovering addicts have with God (HOLY ROLLERS). Call us what you want, but when you have walked through a valley, with a shadow of death you realize we owe everything in us to God. The things he had gotten us through, and we are able to see the miracles that he worked/works in us and for us. I will roll with God from here on out.

It is hard to keep up with this world, it's hard to be married, it's hard to be a parent, it's hard to find a good job, it's hard trying to fix a failing relationship, it's hard when you are alone with no support, it's hard when our loved one's left us, abused us, mistreated us, or used us, and etc. Life is hard even when God is on our side and in our heart. Don't think once you get sober it's all downhill from there, because we fight a battle everyday of our life- everyone does.

So, why is it so important to be obedient to Jesus Christ? Because when you finally surrender and let him take over the beauty that comes back into your life is: a purpose for living, happiness, care, joy, proudness, hope, and not only a better future but a  brighter one, peace, and a life you are ready to live to your fullest.

I once told a friend of mine, when I was using I wasn't afraid to die, but now being sober I'm still not scared, but I have so much in my life to fight for. I have so many blessings. I actually wake up in the mornings, ready to live, ready to discover, ready to learn, and ready for my new journey of fulfilled happiness.

Don't let that little voice fool you, he did me. Instead talk to God. I promise he is waiting on you to ask for him to come into your life. God bless you all!!!!

Redeemed Ministries based in Cleveland, AL.

They are opening a "Transition House" to house men coming out of rehab, and help transition them back into life.

Women's house coming soon.