For over 20 years, I was trapped in addiction. I spent years in and out of jail, living on the streets, running from my mistakes, and making poor choices that led to losing custody of my children. I felt hopeless and stuck in a cycle I couldn't break.
Before addiction took over my life, I worked as a dental assistant for nearly 20 years. As my addiction got worse, I lost everything I had worked so hard for. I truly believed I would never have the opportunity to work in my career again.
After catching new charges, I came to Lovelady, and that decision changed my life. Through God's grace, hard work, and the support I received, I began rebuilding my life. Today, I have regained graduate status, work as staff in the dental office, and have a place of my own. What I thought was lost forever, God restored.
One of the greatest blessings has been rebuilding my relationship with my children. Today, they come stay with me on weekends, and I now have the means to take them fun places, make memories, and spend quality time with them—something I once could only dream about. Once my legal matters are settled, I plan to pursue full custody so we can continue building a stronger future together.
My story is proof that God can take a broken life and restore it. I am no longer defined by my addiction, my mistakes, or my past. Today, I walk in freedom, purpose, and hope, grateful for how far God has brought me and excited for what lies ahead.
Joel 2:25 — "I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten..." This verse reminds me that God can restore what addiction tried to take away and give beauty from the broken pieces of our lives.