I have mentally divided my life into two separate categories, before meth and after meth. By the age of twenty-eight, I was a single mom with two beautiful children and had been a critical care nurse for five years. In 2001 I opened a children’s boutique in my hometown and began coaching cheerleading. At that time I had never used any illegal drugs. My future looked promising.
I was working third shift at the hospital when I tried methamphetamine for the first time. We were putting it in capsules; it was like I was taking a diet pill. Within two months I had started smoking meth every day.
I quit my job and spent the next ten years destroying my career, my reputation and most of my relationships.
I have been in and out of jail too many times to count. I spent a year and a half in federal prison. This last relapse caused me to miss my father’s funeral and lose custody of my children. Finally, I gave God my attention and begged Him to just do something with this mess I had made of not only mine but also my children’s lives.
It seemed like my life was perfect before meth but it wasn’t until after meth that I was saved. When I arrived at Atlanta Mission, I soon learned what it means to be a Christian. I was in jail when I got the packet from My Sister’s House describing the program and the history of Atlanta Mission. I can remember thinking, “I’m not homeless! What can a place like this offer me?”
Time at the Mission has equipped me with the tools to start rebuilding my life. My counselor challenged me to step out of my mediocre comfort zone and strive for my full potential. She encouraged me to trust God.
Ten months later I am at My Sister’s House and in the last phase of the program. I have fallen in love with Atlanta Mission and all it stands for. I’ve learned about homelessness and about how generous people can be with not only their money, but also their time.
My hope is that I am able to stay connected with the Mission even after I have completed the program. God keeps opening doors that should have been closed to me. It is ten years since meth took me over and, now, my life looks promising again.
Someone once said…
Nothing carries more weight than a personal testimony of salvation. People can argue with you about theology or biblical interpretation, but they can’t argue with your personal experience.
And Jesus said…
“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. – Luke 8:39
