Introduction
As a teenager Sandra started smoking marijuana and drinking. This eventually led to a cocaine addiction. As time went by she lost everything she cherished. When she could run no longer, she found herself running to the arms of God. Like a breath of fresh air, God entered her mess of a life and began to put the pieces back together.Sandra's true story is one of many uniquely featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.
Sandra's Breath of Fresh Air
My story starts when I was a teenager smoking weed [marijuana] all the time and drinking with friends. Later, after I married my now ex-husband, he introduced me to crack cocaine. From that point on I battled with the addiction. I ended up losing my children, and of course, went to jail.This went on for about ten years. Even after losing my children for the second time, it was not enough to get my attention.
My Spiritual Awakening
Finally after violating my probation for the third time and running from the system -- I had my spiritual awakening. In August 2005 I went to an Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago concert. I had not seen Chicago since the 70's when my brother Steve took me to a concert. Steve then died of cancer while I was incarcerated. I told my boyfriend that it would be an emotional concert.Just before one of the songs started, there was a sound of wind chimes, an effect that Chicago does. I looked over to my right and said, "Yeah, Steve, I know you are here." Right after that a cold wind blew through the amphitheater. I asked my boyfriend if he felt it and he said he did. The song was, "Old Habits are Hard to Break." The words go as such, "Sometimes we have to go on even though we don't say goodbye." I broke down.
No More Running
When we got home I told my boyfriend that something was going to happen soon and my running would be over. I believe that was what God was waiting to hear me say. One hour later I ran into my probation officer. I had not seen him in two years. Two days later I turned myself in.For the first time I had faith that God would not desert me. I stayed in the word of God continually, reading the Bible for the three months I was in jail. I worked on myself with the great help of Joyce Meyers.
One month after I got out I went to court. All of my probation time was dropped. The system had made a mistake on my charges. This included dropping an 8-year sentence and $11,000 in restitution.
December 1 will be one year since I was in jail. I am getting my daughter back after six years and I now have a wonderful man in my life. He is the same person I put through so much misery during my addiction. We just bought our first house and I feel so blessed in all ways. I will never forget the day God gave me my first fresh breath of air at that amphitheater.
Blessings For the Taking
I knew then that I had been delivered. God had his blessings there for the taking anytime. I simply needed to choose to allow Him in my life.My father who is 80-years-old and in frail health, can rest assured that his daughter is free of all legal holds. He can be proud of me. My parents can finally see a positive change in my life. All grace and glory goes to my heavenly Father. I remember this in all things that I do. And that makes me able to help others now, instead of always thinking about myself.
Thank you for letting me tell you my story.
