It Was Christmas Eve
It was the day before Christmas, surrounded by family and friends and unbeknownst to me my engagement day; that my phone started ringing. A 405 area code popped up and I almost didn’t answer the buzzing phone. It was Christmas Eve after all. But, I reluctantly picked up the phone the most upbeat voice I had ever experienced was on the other line asking about our women’s program and telling me she needed to move asap.
Lance and I rushed back from Wichita on December 27th to see this cute, tiny, smiling woman drag her bags into the “W”. Brooke was married, a two year son and a job she loved. If you blinked long enough you would miss the pain just under the surface that she was trying desperately to hold back. I asked Brooke about all of her checks…
- Her husband is supportive of her being here, check.
- Her son is well taken care of, check.
- Her family is supportive, check.
- She was willing, check.
As we went to look at her new room, something didn’t seem right to me. About that time Brooke blurted out, “Wait. It’s time to get honest. My husband filed for divorce when I was in treatment.” I was blindsided, but she went on… “I thought that he would give me the chance to work on our marriage, clean and sober. My son is well taken care of. But, I am facing legal issues that might just break me. I need help!”
When Brooke chose radical honesty it was almost like I could see the pieces of her armour shattering at her feet. She was broken. Broken, from not only years of hiding her drinking but facing the end of her marriage and the reality that she would have to be away from her son for a while to concentrate on herself. The years of hiding behind it all were gone and that sweet, tiny Brooke immediately looked like she could finally take a deep breath.
Brooke dove into our program. She has sucked everything up she could. She asks questions about God and listens intently at every direction or thought sent her way. The change is so life altering that we can physically see the effects of it all over her. She has a spiritual mentor, a sponsor and is our homes consistent positive presence.
She is a mother. Not just a present mom, but a phenomenal mom whose eyes light up when she even thinks about her boy. She is a leader. She is fiercely loyal. She is a mighty warrior for Jesus. And the coolest thing is, she’s not done yet.
We are grateful for Brooke. Last week, Lance, Brooke and I sat down over a bowl of fro-yo. We were broken, just as she had been when she walked in our doors. She quietly stopped us and said, “You saved my life.” Tears streamed down our cheeks and we knew Brooke was not only going to be a BIG part of our program she was going to alter the lives of the women that come behind her.
We thank God everyday for our Brooke!
Stories like Brooke’s are made possible because of faithful HIA Monthly Partners. It’s from this consistent base of support that we are able to provide beautiful homes, household supplies, transformative teaching and a life-changing program for our residents. So thank you to ALL of our Monthly Partners!!
Today would you consider joining us in our mission by signing up to be a HIA Monthly Partner?
Your gift of $25, $50 or $100 a month is desperately needed and extremely appreciated. For many of you it’s a small sacrifice that has the potential to bring about a HUGE reward!
We thank you for your consideration, support and prayers!
With Hope,
Allyson