I lost my dad to an overdose when I was 1, my mom in a car crash at 15, and my sister to addiction at 20. I grew up surrounded by pain, abuse, and addiction – even from family.
Through the worst – domestic violence, six overdoses, homelessness, and jail – God was there. I silently prayed for forgiveness and hope.
A jailhouse minister named Dawn Reed showed me God’s love, and that faith became my foundation. Now, six months clean and studying human services, I’m using my story to help others find healing through God.
No matter how deep the darkness, God’s light is real—and He has a purpose for every life, including mine.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Lord, thank You for never leaving me in my darkest moments. Help me walk in Your light and be a beacon of hope for others. Amen.
Thank God for being with you through the dark moments and bringing you out by His hand of salvation. Thank God for now using you to use your past experiences to help people going through similar situation to come out as you did.
Keep serving God faithfully. Keep studying the Bible regularly and always pray. May the Lord fully fulfill His purpose for your life in Jesus name.
Shalom
Hi Amy,
when I read stories like yours or even ponder on some aspects of mine, I wonder- people who don’t know Jesus, how do they survive this world of sometimes steady onslaught from hell?
I often paraphrase the psalm you quoted or remind Jesus that He said He came for the sick and not the healthy.
It’s also easier to reel out these scriptures when not in the storm yourself but for a fact most times that’s all we can do. And wait. And believe that God’s will be as one expects. Even the scriptures say his plans for us are not for evil but for good to bring us to an expected end. And we expect good outcomes. So, there is always hope even in the darkness if we know to trust His Word.
My consolation is, I normally filter what’s happening to me, the boisterous storms threatening, against what God revealed to me or my wife or children in our dreams to help steady my mind to stand in faith. Dreams may sound flimsy to a lot of people but not to me.
I was recently encouraging a woman whose marriage is heading for the rocks that sometimes I see myself as a cripple on the ground unable to do anything but in my dreams, God tells me I’m a sprinter who will win a 100m dash!!!
While the storms of life are real and sometimes completely blinding like in Amy’s case, the Word of God is more real. For there is nowhere Light is introduced that darkness does not flee. (John 1:5)
All we have to do is to believe and most times that’s all we can do. No matter how small or shaky our faith is, it’s enough for our miracle. And like bro. Sunday said no pain is wasted- after our rescue we become firsthand channels to encourage others to hold on too.
Actually, like my name, God always wins.