Meet our bakers – “kneading to be needed”.

Dear Friend,

Before I share with you a little bit about myself, I would like to personally thank you for your support and concern for The Bread House, where I work, and GraceWay Recovery. Both have truly been a Godsend for myself, my family and I know for all the others who are involved. The message and hope that flows through both of these places saved my life. It’s only by the grace of God that I’m able to share my experience with you.

I am a twenty-four year old single mother and came to GraceWay in September, 2009. Prior to coming here I had reached a point in my life where living didn’t seem to be the answer for me any longer. I’d been living in active addiction and alcoholism for nearly eight years. From day one, the need for a drug and a drink grew stronger and stronger. Nothing in my life mattered to me. I didn’t care about myself, much less my family or anyone else. Life was impossible. I was full of shame, guilt and regret. I was hopeless. A lost soul. Waking up each day to the mother I had become was a nightmare. I cannot begin to explain the daily pain, anger, and self-hate I had. I couldn’t accept what I was or who I had become so I ran as fast and as hard as I could to drink and drug. It was the only “solution” to my problems. It was the only thing that could take my pain away. I was a slave to this disease. It had complete and utter control of me. It had become my life, my reason for living, my lover, my best friend. It was my everything.

Before coming to GraceWay, a chain of events occurred in my life that left me with the choice of life or death. As scared as I was to continue on with my life, I knew I had two reasons to finally let go and quit running. One’s five years old and one’s three.

My belief today is that God allowed these events not to hurt me, but simply to give me a chance to start over. He built me back up to be the woman and mother I had always desired to be. The power of prayer is amazing! I never thought He was with me before recovery, but looking back, He was there with me the whole time. He is the only explanation for my life today. Miracles from God always seemed so unrealistic to me, but today, that’s the only reality I know. Because I am a miracle.

GraceWay has given me a new outlook on life. I’m eager to live today and I choose to live for Him. I have hope for the first time ever and I believe in myself. As long as I rely on my God, there’s nothing I could possibly be faced with that He can’t or won’t give me the strength to get through. I live my life to carry His message, His love, His truth, His forgiveness and His faithfulness. I know this is the best thing I could ever do for my children or for myself.

Again, thank you for your support. We love you and God bless!!!

A very Grateful resident /baker