My name is Kara and I am Mandi’s sister. I am so happy to be apart of this series. I knew I wanted to tell my story when Mandi started this series but, I was reluctant because of the “shock value” of my story! So, here I am and here’s my story:
I grew up in a wonderful home and pretty much got whatever I needed as a kid. I remember very fondly going to church on holidays. As I became a teenager I started using drugs. I used whatever I could and whenever I could, hoping to ease the pain and my insecurities. I started my drug using at a very early age of only thirteen years old. During the years to follow I went to a girl’s home and multiple rehabilitation centers. I became so reckless, I was in lots of trouble with the law and was on probation, jail soon followed. Nothing stopped me from using and getting high. The years went by and there was still no end in sight until……
At 23 years old, I had finished a 90 day rehabilitation program that seemed to have somewhat “clicked with me.” I soon after moved in with my parents and really wanted to change my life and do better. I was at a point in my life where I had to choose: a) go back to using or b) to walk with Christ. I chose to walk with Christ but, my faith wasn’t strong enough to say goodbye to my old life.
At 26 years old I found out I was pregnant with my little girl soon after doing jail time once again. I had no idea how I was going to raise a child on my own but, I knew I wanted to do it and do the right thing. Today I am proud to say that I am seven years clean and have a three-year old daughter. I am a member of an amazing church and have started a ‘Single Moms Group’ that has held me accountable and has given me the ability to share with others who I can relate to.
I truly believe God gave me my daughter as a gift from Him to keep me on the straight-n-narrow, she truly saved my life. I have come a long way and I owe it all to Him.
Last year, I gave my life to Christ as a thirty year old adult. Only reason I am alive today is because, God had a plan for me! Through it all my family never gave up on me and God never gave up on me either. God has always been there, I just choose to walk with Him these days!
~Kara
This story is very personal to me, I am so honored to have Kara here and all of the women who have shared! This Testimony Tuesday series has gone farther than I have ever imagined it going. God is definitely working in this series and I can’t wait to see how much farther He takes it. If you are interested in telling your testimony please email me at [email protected]. You don’t have to be a writer or blogger, just a person with a story. We all have them! I would be honored to have you! Feel free to look back at other stories that have been told and to sign up for future stories. Join me here next week for another inspiring story! Until then you have to read about my ramblings!
~xoxo
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let your past make you better, not bitter
