I was adopted when I was just 3 days old. Growing up, I experienced several episodes of abuse, so much so that by the time I was a teenager, I had no sense of self-worth. At the age of 17, I left home. I married at 18 but that ended in divorce by the time I was 19.
Not only was I dealing with a failed relationship, I also was trying to cope with the trauma of an abortion and a miscarriage, which led to a tendency to get addicted to things that I thought would make me feel better. I was trapped, and the harder I tried to overcome the worse it got.
Things started to change for me when I was 28 years old and I had a child. My entire life had been full of sin, but when I saw my baby I was so full of love that I knew without a doubt that God loved me and that He was my only hope. I always believed in God, but never wanted to sacrifice the things that I thought made me happy or feel good. Thankfully, God never gave up on me and He kept looking out for me even when I didn’t deserve it.
I can look back on my life, especially all the disasters that were meant to destroy me and see how God turned them around for my good. Miraculously, I stopped drinking 3 months before I got pregnant, and stopped smoking 2 weeks into my pregnancy. I lost my job and home, but still God always provided for me, and we never had to do without what we needed.
Two years ago I walked into River of Life Ministries, and I have not been the same since. I am still a work-in-progress, but I am recovering, learning, and experiencing God more everyday. I found love, safety, and healing with the fellowship of these wonderful people. Four years after the birth of my son, and I can say that I am free from my addictive behaviors. Also, I am happy to report that I am now enrolled in college to earn my first degree, but more important is the freedom and peace that comes from having a relationship with God and my church. One thing that helped me is I have learned that life is hard no matter what, but with God you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you.
Do you need help? Click here.
I love u girl! Your testimony is a great testimony to what god can get someone through.
I love watching you change Kimmy, you are constantly doing and serving, way to go girl…love you
God is not done with any of us yet…and thankfully he never will be. Love you.
Giving my testimony was the most liberating thing I have felt in a long time. I admit I was terrified at first, but I am so glad I did. There is even more to it that what is written here. Looking back I can see how I could have done it differently, but I just let the Holy Spirit lead and I followed. I’d like to add that I have never had an addiction to drugs, but I did have a problem with PGAD. I’m not saying that one is worse than the other, but I want to shed some light on this issue. Information on PGAD has only recently been made public, and many don’t even know what it is. The ones who suffer with it do, and I just wanted to let them know they are not alone. The enemy loves to lie to us and make us feel that we are an outcast and all alone. If the words of our testimony sets us free just think of what it can do for others!
Kimmy, I love you and that precious little boy! He has the best hugs! You have such a passion and desire for more of the Lord it overflows out of you. Keep seeking Him for His Word says He rewards those who deligently seek Him. Thanks for sharing.