Breonna’s Fresh Start With God

I never imagined knowing God could be personal. Growing up in Asheville, I was surrounded by family members struggling with drugs. Faith and religion were foreign concepts; and God felt like a distant celebrity – famous, but unknown.

In spite of all the chaos, I managed to stay clean well into my mid-twenties. I had a great job managing a local restaurant, two beautiful boys, and was trying hard to be a good mom. But everything changed in 2020 when chronic pain derailed my life.

When Covid hit, our restaurant staff shrunk, and I found myself working at least twenty hours of overtime every week to keep my job. My body couldn’t keep up, and the pain became unbearable. Desperate for relief, I turned to painkillers, which quickly led to stronger drugs and a dangerous cycle of self-medication.

Fentanyl numbed the pain, and meth kept me going, I was miserable and ashamed. I felt trapped like I needed drugs just to survive.                         

At the beginning of last year, I hit rock bottom. My attempt to get clean embarrassed and alienated my family, so they kicked me out. With nowhere else to go, I moved to a homeless camp, eventually bringing my sons with me.

Thankfully, a cousin immediately intervened, calling DSS, who got me into detox and connected me with a START team. They were my lifeline, prioritizing my well-being and pointing me towards a better path. Through them, I discovered the Abba’s House program at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries.

At first, the idea of group living with other women and children was intimidating, but it was the best decision I ever made. The staff and volunteers at Abba’s House taught me about healthy living and faith. Ms. Heather taught me how to keep a prayer journal, and praying became a transformative daily habit.

With the guidance of Ms. Angie and Pastor Kim, I accepted Jesus and found salvation. It was amazing! I felt true freedom and confidence for the first time in years.  My life has changed in ways I never thought possible. My boys see a mother who prays, and who lives with purpose. When my oldest told me, “Mom, you’re happy here,” I knew I had finally and truly changed.

I’m excited for the future. I want to help others escape the grip of addiction. I’ll soon begin studying for my Peer Support Specialist certification. Knowing that all of my past experiences – good and bad – can help others, motivates me to keep moving forward.

I’m amazed by all the ways God intervened to get me to Abba’s House. I’m thankful for all of the people who support this life-changing program.  I’ll never be the same, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.