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Friday night, I attended an AA Meeting. My assistant, an alcoholic, was Chairing this meeting and asked me to attend. For some reason, God has placed many alcoholics and addicts in my life. My ex is an alcoholic, I stayed married to him for 18 years. In that time, I was introduced to AA and Al Anon. My sister, who died of AIDS, was a crack addict. One of my employess that worked for me several years is an alcoholic, and many friends in my past are addicts also. I used to wonder, "God, why have you placed so many addicts across my path?" In the past, I used every drug you can imagine, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth, and pills of every shape, color, and variety. I could drink as well as anyone and many times, do not even remember getting home. A girlfriend of mine and I even used to make our own crack and smoke it. But, how come I never became addicted? I've put more cocaine into my arm than I was selling, had percosets by the bagfuls, used speed every day, just to wake up, then downers to be able to go to sleep. But nothing ever held me captive, why? If not for the grace of God, there go I. Yes, I believe God was protecting me from addiction, because He had a greater call and purpose for me. Now that I am the Director for a ministry for women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, I understand a little better. To be able to relate with addicts, in a way that speaks to them, you usually have to have been one. How else could you walk in their shoes? But, in my case, I just loved and cared for many addicts. That experience has been vital and necessary, in being able to help them. That was the purpose of having so many, ever present in my life. The meeting on Friday was such a blessing, there were about 50 people there. Many new attendees stood up to introduce themselves, "Hi, my name is so-and-so, and I'm an alcoholic (or addict)". I felt compelled to stand up and say, "Hi, my name is Terrie, and I have loved many alcoholics and addicts." Here was this large group of people, gathering together, each with their own unique story, a story of being broken and captive to their addiction, losing spouses, children, homes, and jobs, many being homeless. And, the single thing they all had in common is that a loving God came along, picked them up, delivered them from their addiction, and restored to them, their life. And, they give Him all the praise and glory. They all prayed together at the opening of the meeting, and closed with standing and holding hands, and praying the Lord's prayer. I'm so grateful that God loves addicts, because not many people do. The Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous: God, grant me the serenity to accept The things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know The difference. You go God! Thank you for loving all addicts, and those who love them! NOTHING that happens, happens for NOTHING  Significance Of The Jewish Prayer Shawl Why All The Fuss Over Obama??? The Holyland Experience Does Life Begin At Conception? When Does It End? New Members at BigChurch, WATCH OUT!!! |
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 7/27/2008 7:31 am |
Bless Your heart for sharing this testimony! The very day that My mom was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2005, My Younger Brother Sean overdosed on Heroine and passed away...Mom passed away 3 months later....7 Months later, My younger sister Meghan overdosed on Sleeping pills and she also is gone from earth... I applaud you and thank Jesus for ministries like yours---Thank you for loving the addicts Lord! Many blessings to you and yours! Again, thank you for sharing. """**~~Before Honor Is Humility~~**"""
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 7/27/2008 7:47 am |
Bless Your heart for sharing this testimony! The very day that My mom was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2005, My Younger Brother Sean overdosed on Heroine and passed away...Mom passed away 3 months later....7 Months later, My younger sister Meghan overdosed on Sleeping pills and she also is gone from earth... I applaud you and thank Jesus for ministries like yours---Thank you for loving the addicts Lord! Many blessings to you and yours! Again, thank you for sharing. From one bride to another, God keep you, bless you, increase you, Rhonda  
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7/27/2008 7:51 am |
Terrie, The title of your post drew me right over. Most people are terrified of addicts thinking they will steal or hurt someone to get their next fix. Jesus loves them. This is so exquisite that the glory of the Lord will land on an addict as well as anyone else. You have an awesome ministry, Terrie. It must have times that are challenging and not all a "bowl of cherries". God Bless you and anoint you in all you do. Love, Rhonda From one bride to another, God keep you, bless you, increase you, Rhonda
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7/27/2008 8:10 am |
You have suffered greatly in this life I see, but it is clear that the mighty hand of God has seen you through the pain. Only Jesus! GBU I am seeing now That it was and is ONLY JESUS! and I am reminded that "all things work for good for them that love God and have been called according to his purposes!" I hope that you don't mind me responding on your blog Terrie. """**~~Before Honor Is Humility~~**"""
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7/27/2008 11:29 am |
...and transforms us as well. Terrie, a fantastic ministry. God bless you.
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7/27/2008 12:08 pm |
My ex-husband was a recovering alcoholic. I thank God for programs like AA and Alanon. I still use the Serenity Prayer from time to time and many of the slogans in the program because they just make sense. Thanks for sharing your story and the discovery of your purpose for God's work. Karen The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. - Fredrick Buechner
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7/27/2008 12:27 pm |
Terrie, thanks for sharing. Yes, Jesus loves even the alcoholics and addicts. Thank God that He cares for them enough to pick them up!! You are such a blessing, Terrie. He whispers through the storm......"I am with you....." 
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7/27/2008 3:38 pm |
God so loves the broken... As a child I was raised in pubs in the inner city area of Sydney (which back then was the tough part of the city) and got to see first hand the affects of alcohol on people and used to see my dad come upstairs bloodied from sorting out fights in the bar. There are now so many forms of addictions that destroy lives and families but God is into restoration - it's wonderful that you can see God at work and be used for His glory in so many. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4
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7/27/2008 6:32 pm |
Yes, He does, sister. I go to 12-step meetings sometimes to share my experience, strength, and hope in Jesus Christ. Thomas and Robin
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7/27/2008 6:38 pm |
You are a living example of a book entitled "Don't waste your sorrows." God bless you richly Terrie, Gary Eph 2:10 We are his workmanship (poiema, or poem, or work of art) created in Christ Jesus. God is an artist and you are His masterpiece!
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7/27/2008 6:42 pm |
. . .
. Being a driver and many of those attending probably could not drive for one reason or another, I know well and have enjoyed sitting in meetings when invited to do so. I have even been a partner briefly. I enjoy that sort of thing. I never was addicted to anything but tobacco. I have been smoke free since last November. I have an idea of what addiction is, 3 . 5 packs a day to 4 plus depending on the day. I have a bit of an understanding and how difficult it is to stay away from them and restarting. Most of my friends smoke, including my family. God is good. Know? Yes? ? . . Continue to be faithful, deliverance is near, obedience must be seen, be an unconditional blessing as He continues to bless you. This time is short, serve Him well, serving all. Without exception. Know? Yes? ? .
Meow ? .
.
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7/28/2008 12:17 pm |
Terrie, thank you and God bless you for sharing, you are a woman of God and the Lord is using you, God bless and rest now, ok. Great testimony Gods way is my way,...Clay
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8/3/2008 7:23 am |
My sister is now 12 years dry thanks to AA. Blessings to you The body of Christ is like a patchwork quilt! All stitched together with God's love.
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8/5/2008 4:55 pm |
Oh darlin..what a beautifull testimony. Thank you for sharing with us.Indeed you are a SPECIAL LADY,who is much loved 
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8/5/2008 4:57 pm |
Bless Your heart for sharing this testimony! The very day that My mom was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2005, My Younger Brother Sean overdosed on Heroine and passed away...Mom passed away 3 months later....7 Months later, My younger sister Meghan overdosed on Sleeping pills and she also is gone from earth... I applaud you and thank Jesus for ministries like yours---Thank you for loving the addicts Lord! Many blessings to you and yours! Again, thank you for sharing.
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