I am a 32-year-old who began drinking and using drugs at the age of 14. For 16 years, I was controlled and driven by my addiction. I was forever searching for something that would take away the pain and make me forget how miserable I was. Everything I did revolved around getting that fix.

In February 2012, I was arrested with my four-year-old daughter in the backseat of the car for shoplifting to support my addiction. I had been living in motels and stealing food and clothes for my little girl. The pain was unbearable and I had become everything I hated. I was dead inside and my lifestyle was ruining my daughter. I had lost everything and all hope.

I spent three days in jail and it was there that I went down on my knees and cried out to God for help. Two weeks later, I found myself at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and that began my journey to recovery.

I put my daughter in the hands of people I knew would take care of her. Then, I went to live in a group home and it was there I found the grace of God. My sponsor and the people living there showed me the love of Jesus. I learned how to seek Christ despite what other people thought my relationship with God should be.

With the help of my sponsor, I took up the 12-step recovery program and sought the truth of Christ in His Word. After I’d received one year of sobriety, I was able to get an apartment and the custody of my daughter back.

At about this time, I discovered Joseph Prince Ministries. Every day, I watch or listen to Joseph. I would hear the Holy Spirit speaking to me through his sermons. I am growing up in Christ and Joseph Prince Ministries fills my daily life and home with spiritual food.

I hunger for this spiritual food that gives me life. I crave the fruits produced by spending time in the presence of the Lord. By the blood of Jesus, I have been saved and given new life by the Holy Spirit. Jesus has placed me in His light. He has me and nothing can snatch me from Him. I no longer live in darkness.

I am nearly 15 months sober now. Jesus has brought me back from the dead and given me a new life. By His grace, I am sober, I have my little girl and I have peace of mind that runs deep in my soul. I have joy, hope and love as Christ continues to mold and teach me each day.

Thank you, Joseph Prince, for filling my home with the light of Jesus so I can point my daughter to Him as we grow together.