Hello, my name is Dena. Growing up, my life was unimaginable and out of control. My mother was a single parent raising two girls and working a full-time job. At about nine years of age, I was diagnosed with a learning disability called ADD. The teachers at the schools I went to placed me in a special education class. I did have a hard time with comprehending skills and directions. I didn’t like school very much. People noticed I was different. I wasn’t like other kids, and I never quite fit in large groups. I loved to play and be alone.
I was born into a Christian home. My mother loves Jesus and has always acknowledged His presence. On the other hand I knew who Jesus was also and had a relationship with Hi myself up until I was 14 years of age. I then started to become rebellious and hard to handle. My mother had fallen short of the glory, so it became hard for her to handle me. I started to use drugs then that led to alcohol. That is where I became an alcoholic and my life was totally unmanageable from there on.
In 2001 I went to jail and did five months for violating probation on a DUI. My blood alcohol level was a .30. I surrendered to God. When I was in jail in 2001 is when I first heard of Samaritan Women. I was released from jail and went to Samaritan Women. I attended case management meetings and classes.
My life was like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). I strayed away for a while. I soon fell back into my old lifestyle, which started when I began hanging out with my old friends. In January 2005, I got my second DUI and found myself back in jail. I did two months in county jail. It was at that time I went to the Salvation Army program. After one week, I left Salvation Army and called Samaritan Women. I was accepted into the TLC Home on April 15, 2005.
But now by the grade of God, I found my way back. I knew I could no longer do my will. I was ready to completely surrender everything over to God and release my life to Him. I’m now furthering my education and working on getting my high school diploma, and I’m working really hard at that. I attend AA meetings and work the 12-step program with a sponsor. My goal is to work the 12-step program and then sponsor another member in the AA Program, “including Jesus”.
Today I feel my life is manageable and now in control. I no longer have to hide behind that mask and hide who I really am. Jesus has shown me we are all peculiar people and uniquely made into His image.
I can honestly say I am proud to be a Good Samaritan Woman. Thanks to Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 5:10. “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
