LAURIE’S STORY: FREEDOM FROM ADDICTION

Laurie understands what it is to descend into addiction and hopelessness. She used to live there.

Laurie also knows what’s it like to find freedom and wholeness. She’s a freedom fighter now – sharing her story to help others find freedom.

I’ve known Laurie and her family for almost ten years since they started attending North Pointe.

LAURIE’S STORY: FITTING IN

I grew up in a religious home and had good parents, but I was never sure where I fit or found acceptance.

When I was 12 years old I discovered alcohol, and instantly I felt like I was able to make friends and be the life of the party – I finally fit in.

For years I drank on and off, adding scars that would leave a permanent mark on me. I once read a banner that said, “When the pain of hanging on becomes greater than the fear of letting go…”

I was hanging on to the awful things of my past, inflicting hurt on my family and myself because I felt and thought that I wasn’t worth anything.

WHEN THE PAIN IS TOO GREAT

Finally the pain was too great, I couldn’t hang on any longer.

I needed to let go or I would die.

For me, letting go meant surrendering my life to God. So, I “let go and let God” as the AA slogan goes.

This is easier said than done, but God didn’t leave me nor did my family. I was in treatment for 56 days and learned so much about myself and also learned that there were a lot of people just like me that struggle with addictions.

For years I thought that I was a weak willed loser but as I began to share the pieces of my life that I had kept buried deep down inside I realized God was using my experiences to help other people.

NO EASY ROAD TO FREEDOM

This has not been an easy process, but there has been a new freedom, happiness and peace that entered my life.

I sometimes relive the experiences of my past and am tempted by the Devil to feel like I am useless. Now when these thoughts come into my mind I say the words “forgiven.”

Today, these memories that once kept me in bondage to drinking now give me the energy to help others break the cycle of hopelessness and helplessness.

PAYING IT FORWARD

I am now very active with Alcoholics Anonymous and with North Pointe’s C.A.R.E. Ministry.

I share my experiences with others, and offer strength an hope for people going through similar circumstances.

I’m also working on a certificate to be an addictions counselor.

Now I can say that I’m a “grateful alcoholic.” Grateful because the fear I once had is now freedom.

I will not hide my past, but will use my past to help others.

What greater gift could I give back to God for all he has done for me?

Related Posts

My Face Was on Fire: Cheryl’s Story
Invincible: Paul’s Story

APPLICATION: Please leave Laurie a comment below. Forward this post to someone who could use some hope.

I write to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose. If this material is helpful to you, please follow me.

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