- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Faith
Submitted by: Abby Foster
Today Kaylyn has many things in her life of which she is very proud. She lives to serve others. She is a dedicated mother to her children. She and her boyfriend are involved in a ministry through their church that serves their community by feeding those in need. And most importantly, she has the privilege of sharing her recovery story and giving back to the ministries that saved her life. She shares her story to give hope to those who have none, because two years ago she was one of them.
Kaylyn reached a turning point “When I moved form primarily alcohol to heroin and pills. It was then that I went to supervised visitation with my children and I wasn’t able to stay sober to in order to see them. I was at a point where I was hopeless. I lost my family, I was going to lose custody of my beautiful kids and I was ready to take my life.” This was when Kaylyn longed for an alternative to death– recovery.
For Kaylyn, the most positive change in her life came from beginning a relationship with her higher power, Jesus Christ. “Accepting Jesus into my heart was the most positive change I have made in my life. After that decision my life changed dramatically. Everything changed!” She began learning important truths during her recovery process such as “I can’t do this on my own. I need something greater than me to lean on and draw my strength from. I also need a community of people who will come behind me and love me.” She has learned to overcome struggles. “The biggest struggle I have had is when things aren’t going how I would like them to. When old feelings of abandonment and rejection come in. For me, I remember what God says about me. I am an overcomer, I am loved and enough. That has been working for me!”
An important piece of advice shared with her that has helped her on her journey and a message she would like to share with anyone who is still suffering is to “give yourself grace. Just because you fail doesn’t make you are a failure. God will take your mess and turn it into a message! Your story has impact and we have the ability to help others who are struggling! Recovery and freedom ARE possible. Don’t live by your feelings. Just do the next right thing. You don’t have got have all the answers now. Seek God and He will help you through it.”
Kaylyn’s life is full of love, gratitude, service and joy. She is empowered and fulfilled when serving others, getting outside of herself and giving back. “A life of service and of sharing what God has done in my life has been so fulfilling to me. I met an amazing man at my church and we share a heart for helping others. I am excited to see what God has for us and where he brings us.”