Love of a Lifetime

It is easy to tell when a woman is in love. I don’t mean a small crush, but truly, deeply, head over heals in L-O-V-E. Her eyes sparkle, she has a constant smile on her face, and somehow, she is glowing.

This is the very description of my friend Fran, a resident of the Lydia House. She is currently attending the WorkNet Solutions Program and is about to graduate from the New Life Recovery Program. Fran has been at Open Door Mission since December of 2010 and her story is one of tragedy, repentance and divine hope.

Fran was born in Omaha, Nebraska and was raised by her father. He was her best friend and confidant. He had high expectations for her but unfortunate circumstances started Fran down a destructive path at the tender age of nine. It began as a way to try and dull the pain inside her. This path led her through many years of drug addiction and destructive relationships.

Nearly two years ago, Fran lost the love of her life, her beloved father. It was at that time that she began a quest to change her life. “I know he wanted more for me,” Fran laments, “I had to look inside myself to see what he saw.” She left Omaha and hitched a ride out west―determined to clean up and become the daughter her father always knew she would be. She connected with a church in Texas and began a spiritual journey.

Transforming Love

In December of 2010, Fran came back to Omaha ready to continue down the road of recovery. She was familiar with Open Door Mission and decided to look into the programs offered. Fran joined the New Life Recovery Program, became established in a local church and began to create a new path for herself. 

As graduation from the New Life Recovery Program approaches, she is starting to job search and becoming a leader in children’s ministry at her church. She desires to put her past behind her and move forward. She longs to be used by God to bring others to the saving knowledge of Him. She hopes to become a chaplin, traveling to sites of natural disasters and bringing the love, protection and healing of Jesus Christ with her. 

Fran has found a new love. She is head over heels, crazy in love with Jesus Christ. He is her everything and she cannot help but talk about Him, think about Him, and sing about Him constantly! God has transformed a scared little girl, a woman aching with the pain of losing her father, and a life-long addict into a marvelous reflection of Himself. Fran is in L-O-V-E, and He is the true love of her life! 

Submitted by Noelle Pee
Open Door Mission’s WorkNet Director