I have Christ in Christmas for the first time in 23 years. Pregnant…not married…addicted to the drug Zantex and Ecstasy, I wallowed in my misery. “If only I could swallow one more pill,” I thought, “ I would find true happiness.”
I wasn’t raised in a Christian family, so living with my alcoholic Air Force boyfriend was no big deal. At least it wasn’t a huge issue until the night I almost died from a choke hold with him pinning me against the wall. It was a big step for me to make that night, but after the Police arrived, I left him permanently.
Months later, wishing I was dead and feeling like my son, Adam, was a burden, I received an invitation to attend the Arise Ministries, Survive ‘N’ Thrive [single mom's ministry] Conference. I thought, “What could it hurt?” So I walked through the doors at Crossings Community, a full-fledged atheist with a cynical eye thinking all Christians were stupid and weak.
Yet something came over me when Pam asked the question: “Will you live in emotional poverty as a single mother or choose God’s prosperity?” I wanted what all the volunteers had and what she had: sincere joy, confidence, and most of all freedom, fullness from the inside out that came from living in what she called “God’s Hula Hoop of Hope.” I’m not sure how it happened or what exactly happened, but I took God up on His offer to start a new life, and in desperation, I asked Jesus to take over my mess.
Instantly, and I mean instantly, the horrific burden, hopelessness, and despair was lifted! I entered that sanctuary suicidal, and left that place free as a bird. And even my desire to smoke cigarettes was gone! I have a new joy and deep hope that has not left me for six months now. I joined Victory Church, got baptized on September 3rd, and rallied all my friends around me to celebrate. And I can’t believe this, but I’m even in school now studying to be a radiologist!
I feel like Cinderella. I have a new life! I have a new way to raise Adam. I’m a “Kasey Carr” I’ve never been before, and I love it, love it! Words cannot express to this world how thankful I am to God for Arise Ministries and all those who made the event possible.
I want everyone associated with this ministry to know you changed my life, destiny, and my son’s life forever. I’m a great mama now. And how strange is this???... for the first time in my life Jesus is the center of my Christmas. So Merry Christmas, everyone. And thank you, thank you, thank you!
