Wendy Johnson

April 9, 2023, is a day I will never forget because it was the turning point in my life. For years, I have been a prisoner in my own body numbing my emotions and escaping from reality. But on that fateful day, something inside me snapped. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw the shell of a person staring back at me. I grew exhausted from living a life that felt controlled, constantly letting down those I cared about, and most importantly, letting myself down. It wasn’t an easy decision, but when I realized that my life was spiraling out of control, I knew that something had to change.

So, with determination in my heart and a clear understanding of the obstacles ahead, I set out on my journey towards recovery. I knew it was not going to be easy and I knew that there would be ups and downs, moments of progress and moments of regression. I understood I would face many setbacks and temptations along the way. Despite this knowledge, I was determined to stay committed to my recovery and push through the challenges that came my way.

I didn’t want to go down the traditional route of seeking help through rehab. Instead, I turned to my faith and sought guidance from God. I found comfort in the Main Street church of Christ, where the community welcomed me with open arms. Through prayer and the support of my church family, I was able to start breaking free from my addiction and find a new sense of purpose in life.

The journey was anything but easy. There were days when I felt strong and determined to rise above my struggles, but there were also moments when I felt weak and vulnerable to familiar habits and temptations. At times, the cravings were so overwhelming that I found myself standing on the edge of giving in. The thought of experiencing withdrawal symptoms and feeling sick was enough to tempt me to use again, just to find temporary relief. It felt like a constant battle between my desire for sobriety and the overwhelming urge to give in to my addiction. The physical and emotional suffering that came with trying to break free from addiction made me question if it was worth it. I knew that giving in would offer only temporary relief, ultimately dragging me back down a path of self-destruction. Despite the struggle, I fought through the toughest days, keeping the bigger picture in mind and focusing on the long-term rewards of sobriety. Each time I resisted the cravings, I grew stronger and more determined to conquer my addiction. It wasn’t easy, but with perseverance and support, I was able to conquer even the toughest cravings and continue my journey towards a healthier and happier life.

One of the hardest lessons I have learned through my recovery journey is that no matter how much effort and dedication I put into bettering my life, there will always be some people who will see me as just another addict. It can be disheartening to realize that despite all the progress I have made and the positive changes I have implemented, some individuals may never view me as anything more than my past struggles with addiction. However, this realization has also taught me the importance of self-acceptance and not letting others’ opinions define me. I have learned to focus on my own growth and not allow the judgment of others to hinder my progress.

Recovery is a continuous journey, and while it may be difficult to accept that some people may never see past my addiction, I choose to surround myself with those who do and continue to strive towards a better, sober future for myself. Ultimately, the most important validation comes from within, and I am proud of how far I have come in my recovery despite what others may think. Through my journey of struggling with addiction, God has been a constant presence in my life. He has shown me that my addiction does not define who I truly am. Despite the mistakes and struggles, He has reminded me that I am a beloved child of God, created in His image with unique talents and abilities. He has taught me that my addiction is simply a temporary obstacle in my journey towards becoming the person He intended me to be. Through prayer and reflection, I have come to understand that my identity lies in my faith and relationship with God, not in my struggles or past mistakes. I am grateful for His unwavering love and support, and I know that He will continue to guide me on my journey towards healing and wholeness.

My addiction may be a chapter in my story, but it does not define the entirety of who I am. It is a piece of my past, one that has shaped me, challenged me, and ultimately strengthened me, but it is far from the whole picture. I am so much more than my struggles—I am the resilience that carried me through them, the determination that pushed me to seek recovery, and the courage that keeps me moving forward each day. My journey is one of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. I’ve learned that while the shadows of addiction may linger, they do not dim the light of the person I’ve become. Today, I stand tall, embracing my full story with pride, knowing that my past does not define my future.

The two greatest decisions I ever made were breaking free from addiction and surrendering my life to God. Choosing sobriety was a battle for my life—a conscious choice to reclaim my future and step into the person I was always meant to be. Yet, it wasn’t until I fully gave my heart to God that I found true peace and purpose. Through His strength and guidance, I rose above the darkness and discovered the freedom that only faith can bring. These two decisions transformed me in ways I never imagined possible, giving me a fresh start—a life filled with hope, love, and a deeper sense of purpose.

As I look back on my journey, I realize it was never a battle I fought alone. My recovery wouldn’t be where it is today without Vernon’s persistence in inviting me to church. His relentless belief in me and his efforts to connect me with a community of faith led me to a place of solace and support I never imagined. Through attending church and immersing myself in heartfelt conversations and activities, I found the strength to break free from the cycle of addiction that once controlled my life. Without Vernon’s unwavering encouragement, I might never have discovered the motivation to reclaim my life. I am filled with gratitude—not just for Vernon’s role in my recovery but for the immense love and guidance of my church community. My biggest support throughout my addiction and recovery was my three kids. No matter how badly I hurt them or how much I put them through they never gave up on me. They fought every battle I fought and celebrated every milestone with me. It taught me that sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you to unlock a belief in yourself, revealing that you are capable of so much more. In my darkest moments, when I felt like I had nothing left, it was God’s grace that carried me. He guided me through the storm, showing me that even when I felt lost, His love remained steadfast. Through prayer, surrender, and faith, I found the strength to trust in His plan and discovered a resilience I didn’t know I had. His love and purpose became my anchor, reminding me that no matter how broken I felt, there was always hope and healing waiting for me. Every step of my recovery was guided by His hand, and today, I stand not only free from addiction but renewed in spirit. My story is a testament to the power of faith, and I now walk a path of purpose, knowing that with God, all things are possible. No matter how broken we may feel, He is always there to heal, restore, and make us whole again.” So, I am standing here as proof that recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless or overwhelming the struggle may seem. It’s a journey that requires strength, courage, and persistence, but with the right support and determination, freedom from addiction is within reach. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. The path isn’t always easy but healing and transformation are possible for anyone who chooses to keep moving forward. There’s always hope, and no one’s story is beyond redemption.

April 9 will always hold a special significance in my journey of recovery. It represents the dawn of a new chapter in my life, one where I discovered the strength within me to break free from the chains of addiction. As I reflect on this day, my heart swells with gratitude for the progress I’ve made and the inner power I’ve unearthed. No longer do I see myself merely as an addict; I recognize a fighter and a survivor gazing back at me, forged by the challenges I’ve faced and the unwavering resolve to overcome my obstacles. This journey has transformed me, making me stronger and more resilient than ever. While the path has been fraught with difficulties, every struggle has been a steppingstone toward reclaiming my life. April 9 serves as a powerful reminder of my strength and resilience, and I hold it dear as the day I embraced a future filled with limitless possibilities. It is a celebration of the truth that recovery is not just a dream—it is a reality I proudly live every day.