My name is Rachel, and I’ve been set free from the chains of addiction. My journey into substance abuse began at 23 with painkillers, which slowly spiraled (15 years). I chased the illusion of control, convincing myself I had it together—until I didn’t. By the time I turned 36, my life was unraveling. Facing my second divorce, struggling to be a mother, and consumed by addiction, I was lost, searching for something I couldn’t name.
In my desperation for acceptance, I compromised everything. What began with a prideful vow to avoid hard drugs quickly crumbled. At 36 I started using cocaine, and from there, my life descended into chaos. Over two years, I sank deeper into addiction—heroin, meth, trafficking guns—becoming someone I no longer recognized. I was a terrible example to my daughter, utterly broken, and unable to see a way out.
My turning point came through a meth crazed delusion. I knew I needed help. That moment started my recovery journey, but I still was selfish and tried to do things “my way,” rejecting the suggestion from family and friends to go to the Lighthouse Gospel Mission. Instead, I entering a state-run intensive outpatient program. Clinging to distractions like cigarettes, toxic relationships, and prescription medications (Adderall and Suboxone), I convinced myself I was making progress, but within months, I relapsed.
Desperate and out of options, I finally accepted the invitation to the Lighthouse Gospel Mission’s Faith Home. Exhausted and hopeless, I surrendered. Through their 18-month program, I learned what it meant to truly let go, renew my mind (Romans 12:2), and find forgiveness, trust, and freedom in Christ.
Jesus didn’t just save me—He transformed me.
Seven and a half years later, my life is a testimony to His grace. Today, I pastor women in the same program that helped save me, offering hope to others trapped in addiction. Looking back, I realize that what I thought was the worst time of my life was actually was the best—it led me straight to Jesus.
This blog is a place for me to share about the ministry I am blessed to work at, share revelations and journal my heart for others to share in eternal Hope!
A Remnant’s Heart 