TeenChallengeUSA.com

[True Freedom]

My mom passed away last October. It was unexpected, and I was with her when she took her last breath. It has been a difficult, intense roller coaster ride of emotions since then. I haven't gone through Teen Challenge, but I do give God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit all the glory for delivering me from alcohol, anger, and harsh childhood memories. I've been sober for just over 4 years now...Praise the Lord!!! It's been True Freedom; in fact, it's been nice getting to know myself, my true self that God intended me to be. I started drinking very young. I recall drinking wine mixed with 7-up when I was about 8-9 years old during family holiday dinners. By the time I was 11 yrs. old, I was drinking Everclear (strong stuff). I continued to drink heavily through my teen years and my twenties. Now I'm 37 years old and sober because of Jesus Christ!! Well, right after my mother passed, I wanted to have a drink more than ever before. It wasn't a physical craving like it was in the beginning, but my mind wanted to escape from the pain and grief so badly...the cravings were so intense and it lasted persistantly for about 5 months. I took one day at a time and prayed it through many times. When I think back on it, I am amazed that it lasted so long and how AWESOME God's POWER is because He is the reason why I can stand today and say Amen, I am still sober!!! If anyone is grieving and they are battling with their addictions old or new, God is willing, able, & ready to be there for you!!! The verse I meditated on was John 4:16, " I am the way, the truth, and the life [...]. Grief is an intense emotion. Although I was thankful that my recently gave her life to Jesus, I battled a yarn of tough emotions that were hard to deal with....I praise His name for being there with me, for never leaving me or forsaking me when I needed him most!!!
Meditate on His word during times of trouble, even if it's just one verse...there's power in the word.

[cmss]

wow your testimony is so encouraging. Its so true, there is power in his word, and Jesus is not just a name. I needed to hear that. God bless and take care!