In 2014, I landed a six-year jail sentence from a revocation hearing. I was so scared and felt so lonely. However, I already felt beaten down, heartbroken, and hopeless. All I could think about was leaving my three boys behind and how heartbroken they would be. So, I went was straight to jail. When I got to Mason County Jail, they shipped me to another facility in Franklin, Kentucky, so very far away from home. What I didn't know was that this is where my life was going to change forever.
I went to church one night to get out of that concrete jail cell that was closing in on me. This is where I heard April Anderson and Sue Cline for the first time. April told her story, which was my story in a sense, except she survived and was living an awesome life. I later found out that they had a home called the Hope Center for Women. I applied and got accepted into that home after serving a year in jail. When I walked through the door, I felt like I could breathe for the first time. One of the first things I learned at the home was that through Christ, ALL things are possible.
Through Hope Center for Women I learned that Jesus loved me. He did not want to punish me; He loved me. I found that the more time I spent with Him, the closer I could hear His voice. I learned how to become obedient to Him. I learned how to receive His blessings and how to bless other people. The Hope Center for Women not only taught me how to be free from bondage, but taught me who I am in Christ. I am so very grateful for that. Through this home, I was transformed from a drug addict to a child of God. This home set me up for success instead of failure.
At the Hope Center for Women, God showed me what one of the purposes of my life is - the gift of Street Evangelism. I am passionate about talking one-on-one with people. I love to tell them about the love of Jesus Christ and how He pulled me out of the pits of hell. Now, because of my process of going through Hope Center for Women, I have a full-time job at Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems as a connective molding leader. I own a car. I have my own home. The best thing is that I have custody of my three boys. I never knew that I could live a happy life and that is exactly what I'm doing. I walk very closely to my Heavenly Father and He supplies my every need.
2017 has been a new chapter, a new beginning - something I never thought I would have.
I am so grateful for Hope Center for Women. My Scripture favorite verse I want to leave you with that is so alive for me is one I learned through a devotion with Sue and April during my time in the home. Psalm 30:11..."You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy."
