A young girl struggles with being an outsider in school and in her family. Even after inviting Jesus Christ into her heart, she deals with rejection and chooses a wrong path. But that path eventually leads her to a new identity and fulfillment in Christ.
Read moreTag: Substance Abuse
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction
What does alcoholism look like, and what can the alcoholic do? by La Shawn M. Barber Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler. And whoever is led astray by it is not wise (Proverbs 20:1). The Bible is full of warnings against drunkenness. Alcohol, like a faithless lover, titillates and seduces but brings…
Read moreAlcoholism – The Family Disease
Allowing the truth to set you free. by Yvonne L. Tears coursed down my cheeks. Why didn’t he call or come home? How could he say he didn‘t remember where he’d been? My chest constricted, pain like a knife stabbing into my heart. What’ve I done wrong? He must not love me. If he did,…
Read moreFinding Father
Reconnecting with vital relationships. by Alicea Jones Tall, thin, and decided, he anchored our home and gave us a sense of completion. We held Daddy in awe; he taught us the Twenty-third Psalm, about God being our shepherd and walking with us even through death. He was a dreamer, and we dreamed right along…
Read moreI Just Couldn’t Say No
What would one drag on a joint hurt? by Jason Gomez as told to Christy Heitger-Casbon I glanced at my watch: 6:55 p.m. I couldn’t believe there were only five minutes left in youth group. For as far back as I could remember, I’d been connected to these people. Flashbacks of retreats, church lock-ins,…
Read moreMy Turn to Die
Navigating the ups and downs of addictive behavior. by K. P. Rojas The letter sat on my desk, unopened. Why was I afraid to open it? Because I knew there was something in that letter I didn’t want to read, didn’t want to tackle. I had no idea its pages would lead to a…
Read moreWhat Sets Us Free
Sometimes victory over addictions occursover time, as we mature in faith. by Nancy Slack I sat at the kitchen table, staring at a pack of cigarettes. I took one out of the pack and lit it. After tomorrow, I thought, I will never light a cigarette again. Tomorrow I’m going to quit smoking. I…
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