Pillars of Faith In Our Church Community

Lynda’s Story

It was May of 1992 when my walk with the Lord began. I don’t remember the exact date, but I know where I was (in my car driving up Bristol notch). Fast forward several years. My husband left me with three children and I was making 8,000 dollars a year. I wanted to keep the kids in the only home they knew. In the moment, I couldn’t tell you how I managed raising the kids, keeping a house in repair, paying the mortgage and taxes. Looking back, I know the Lord was there helping when I needed it. Encouraging me when appropriate. He was there to pick me up when my only sister passed away suddenly at 32. And more importantly, He was there when I silently screamed “I can’t do this or I don’t want to do this.”

I firmly believe he carried me when the times were tough. And I had some very hard times. I suffer from the disease of addiction- both prescription drugs and alcohol. I was a very functional addict. I continued to raise kids, keep the house in order and work full time. I even managed to get my Associated degree in Liberal Arts. I prayed daily to the Lord-”let this insanity stop.” Unfortunately, He let it continue several more years. Some may say it was my free will that allowed my addiction to continue. However, I am a firm believer that everything happens the way it happens for a reason.

At the height of my addiction, God sent me a wonderful, trusting, loving man. He has stood beside me in the worst of the worst. I feel extremely blessed for my husband. He has brought me stability, strength, hope and best of all, unending love. I wish I could say I have conquered my addiction, but I haven’t. I don’t know if I ever will. I pray I will. It’s what I want the most. I feel like a failure when I slip- like I am not worthy of anything the Lord has given me. Especially His unending love. Yet he picks me up the next day, ashamed, yet stronger and more determined to not use.

I lost my father to cancer 5 years ago, the Lord gave me the strength not to use during my dad’s last days. I feel very blessed to be there when dad passed, I know that was a gift from God. It was also a gift to be with my younger brother when he passed suddenly this past summer. Yes is was a horrible event, yet I know in my heart God let Jared die in a place he loved (Lincoln) surrounded by his family.

I have been able to stand strong, cry, and enjoy my mother’s company as she fights lung cancer. I am able to be there for my husband as he fights his own health battles. I get to “take care” of two special men who have enriched my life greatly. Best of all, my three children are happy, productive, giving back to the community adults. I am also very blessed to have 3 beautiful, healthy grandchildren. These are gifts from my Lord. I think He’s trying to encourage me by showing I have so much more to live for than alcohol or drugs. My life is far from perfect, I struggle daily with my demons. However, the Lord wraps his blanket of love around me and holds me close and for this I am ever grateful.