The Greatest Gift of All

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Yvonne came to the Lydia House to find help in breaking free from the cycle of addiction that had ruled her life. At the age of 45, she decided that enough is enough, and it was time to get her life in order.

Growing up in a home with nine other siblings, Yvonne was blessed to have a stay-at-home mother and a father who worked very hard to provide for his family. At the age of 18, however, things began to change. She was in a relationship with a man who introduced her to illegal drugs. This soon led her to an addiction that would keep her in bondage for many years.

In recent years things became increasingly more difficult for Yvonne. Her addiction to drugs and alcohol continued to be a major force in her life. She ended up losing guardianship of her daughter and son while she underwent treatment.

Having to let go of her children brought Yvonne to the point of seeing that she had to change her lifestyle, not only for herself, but for the sake of regaining a relationship with her children. As she was trying to determine where to go for help, a friend who was a graduate of Open Door Mission encouraged her to give the Mission’s New Life Recovery Program a try. Yvonne could see the change in her friend and decided to come to the Lydia House.

Revelation of Grace

During her stay, Yvonne has accepted Jesus Christ into her life as her personal Savior and attends church on a regular basis. One of the biggest rewards is being reunited with her 11 year old son. Yvonne and her son spend time every morning reading scripture from the book of Proverbs and then take time each night to pray together before going to bed. Her son loves going to church and Sunday School and their conversations often center on what God is doing in their lives.

Shortly after being reunited, Yvonne’s son told her that she was different than she use to be, and that he loved her very much. These words deeply touched her heart and was just what she needed to hear! She is a new woman, a new mother, and a brand new child of God!

As Yvonne prepares to spend Christmas at the Lydia House, she is blessed by the gifts of having her son back with her and being drug and alcohol free. Yet, she will tell you that the greatest gift of all is her new life with Jesus Christ in her heart. It is only because of your generous support that Yvonne was able to receive the greatest gift of all.

Submitted by Celeste Norman
Open Door Mission Heartland Hands Coordinator

“For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God—not by works,
so that no one can boast.”
~Ephesians 2:8-9