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

I was a single mother of one for nearly 11 years. I know the hardships that come along with that title. Throughout those 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, 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. God blessed me with a husband that didn't care about my sketchy past and blessed us with two additional children. My oldest is now married and has blessed me with two amazing grandchildren. My son was diagnosed with Asperger's, Tourette Syndrome, a mood disorder, Sensory, Anxiety, and a sleep disorder. My daughter has been diagnosed with 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. Our family is also involved with fostering and rescuing animals. While we aren't as active as we used to be, and I have to say no a lot, I am amazed at how the Lord provides when He allows me to say, "yes."

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