Renee Cooper

My sister and I began attending Grace a few months ago. I have been humbled by the love and dedication of the parish. Not long ago I was suffering from serve depression, which caused a destructive domino effect in my life. I have long since battled with addictions and thought I had laid my demons to rest. This was not the case.

The addiction was back and in full force. I was taken multiple narcotic pain pills at the same time and many times through out the day. It was easy for me to go through a bottle of 30 pills in 2-3 days and think nothing of it. I was also drinking almost daily. At the lowest point I was stealing pills from family members. I would search and search until I found them. I knew they would find out, but I didn't care. I thought about how and wear I could get pills day and night. I was at the mercy of drugs and alcohol; I was a liar and a thief. The Lord came last in my life and I hadn't prayed in months. I was hopeless.

I was invited to attend Grace by my sister as our friend and her family attends Grace. Since then I have been humbled, I have been reminded that the Lord loves me no matter what. I know he forgives me and will guide me in my continued battle. I'm not alone in this fight and God will pick me up if I should ever fall again. This has not been easy, but knowing if I put it all in God's hands I will be new again. This church, message, people and God have given me hope when all was lost. Thank you God and Grace.