Free To Be Me

Living Life Free, Filled With Hope

11.13.17 041

Date: 13 Nov 2017Author: Stacey Paden 0 Comments

Published by Stacey Paden

Throughout the years of early adulthood, I lived a life full of lies and deception until I turned 28. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. The alcohol, drugs, and lies had caught up with me. I had lost everything. On July 7, 1998, I put down the cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol in order to begin breaking the cycle of addiction, abuse, and rage . . . but something was still missing. I was still empty. I needed someone who would love me unconditionally, who would never leave me and never forsake me, who would guide me . . . . who I could trust. I had been looking for love and acceptance in every man I could find and was still without hope. But . . . on October, 19, 1998, just over 90 days into sobriety, I realized I couldn't do this thing called life on my own. I needed a Savior . . . the one that would love me unconditionally and accept me for all my failures. And on that day I asked Jesus in to my heart. The decision to follow Christ and ask Him in to my heart has been the best decision I have ever made. Since that day, the road of healing began. I have learned and continue to learn there are several layers of healing, but through it all, He has never abandoned me. I've been blessed with restoration of my family and many burned bridges. I have three children and two grandchildren. My son was diagnosed with Asperger's, Tourette Syndrome, a mood disorder, Sensory, Anxiety, and a sleep disorder. My daughter has also been been diagnosed Aspergers, OCD, Sensory, Anxiety, and Tics. Through all these transitions and challenges, the Lord has been so faithful. He has carried me in my weakness, bottled every tear, prodded me to ask questions and taught me to be a voice for my children. There have been days I have questioned why the Lord would think I am strong enough to parent two special needs children, but what He has shown me is that through my weakness He becomes my strength. My favorite thing to do is being in the woods and capturing moments in time behind the lens.

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