Hello, my name is Carla and I am a believer in recovery from alcoholism, drugs and guilt. My life before recovery was empty. I wanted to leave my destructive behavior but I couldn’t; I wanted recovery for myself and my family but it was too difficult to do on my own. I felt lonely. Deep inside I knew I needed God, but I felt so unworthy. I had been taught about a God who does not hear me unless I am certain kind of person or belonged to a certain religion (Jehovah Witness). I isolated myself and avoided being with my loved ones; I felt more and more alone. I was afraid being around others so I buried myself in alcohol. I eventually lost everything, my house, my car, my job, my marriage, my relationship with my family. I hit rock bottom when I began to steal and entered into prostitution. I remember wandering on the streets aimlessly sleeping on pieces of cardboard in abandoned houses. Eventually I was thrown into prison.
One day I was invited to the YUGO Bible Study.
This has been one of the greatest decisions and blessing in my life! The
Celebrate Recovery program has helped me a lot. I have been set free from
the darkness and pain that was inside of me. Best of all, I know I do not have
to walk this journey alone. There are other women just like me who
are allowing God to heal them. Jesus Christ is with us in our journey towards
recovery. I was so impacted when I learned that God forgives us no matter what we
have done. It touched my heart to know that Jesus washed the feet of Judas even
though he knew that hours later Judas was going to betray him. This speaks to
me of the greatest love, compassion and mercy from God that one can imagine.
Through Celebrate Recovery God has spoken into
my life. The lesson that spoke most to my heart was where God declares me
not guilty; also, doing my daily inventory greatly blessed my heart. I can
honestly tell you that my life has turned 360 degrees.
Even though I'm in prison I managed to
reconnect with my family and friends and I have come to cherish the many
wonderful women within the CR program. I have learned to relate to other
people and I do not feel alone. Now I can share that the feelings of fear,
insecurity, rejection, guilt and loneliness are gone and this I owe to Jesus
Christ. I know that God loves me, forgives me and has a purpose for my
life. Since inviting God into my life, I feel Him walking beside me and now all
I do, I do it for Him. I’ve been made right with God and He has clothed
me with His righteousness.
Now I get to share my story with other women
in the prison, and with my family through letters, telling them how God has
changed my life and He has given me hope and a purpose. My greatest desire is
to serve at New Beginning women’s discipleship home and rehabilitation centers
and where ever the Holy Spirit guides me to bring the Good News. My desire is
to reach souls for Christ. I feel like I've finally found my purpose and my
happiness.
Thank you and God
bless.
*names have been changed to protect their identity*
