Survivor Story: Amber

I was born into a challenging environment characterized by a cycle of addiction that affected my entire family. Throughout my childhood, drugs played a significant role in my life, often involving me and my siblings being put into situations to obtain substances. My mother was frequently ill or seeking her next high, sometimes using us to facilitate her pursuits, such as pretending to be sick to acquire medication. My father was often away for work, which left my mother with the freedom to act according to her own choices. As I grew older, I recognized that our family dynamics were not typical. At age 11, I began experiencing episodes of depression that went unnoticed by the adults around me, impacting my social interactions and school performance. 

At age 12, during a family trip to Florida, I was introduced to substances through a cousin who exhibited confidence that I admired. This exposure led me down a path of experimentation and, ultimately, addiction. While I spent time with the wrong crowd, my mother developed new addictions, including methamphetamine. She eventually left our family, and from ages 13 to 14, I struggled with feelings of abandonment and manipulation by a man in his thirties, whom I naively believed could help me. During this period, I sought refuge with my mother, who was deeply immersed in her addiction.  

By age 15, my life revolved around drugs, risky behaviors, and a search for validation. I used methamphetamine with my mother, and I became involved with a person who I thought loved me but was, in reality, manipulative and abusive. My mother supported his presence in my life, though he took advantage of my trust. I believed that we were in love, but I was subjected to lies and exploitation. These circumstances led to criminal activities, and I was eventually arrested. While incarcerated, I was introduced to Christianity for the first time. I had many questions and was initially angry, questioning why God would allow such suffering.

After my release, I did not immediately experience a transformational change. I returned to familiar environments and patterns, which included returning to drug use. Despite ongoing struggles, I felt a persistent presence of something greater—God—though I did not fully listen. My life continued to follow a destructive cycle, and I lost hope of ever living a stable life. I often found myself praying and asking for help to escape my circumstances.

On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn. I was with friends when police attempted to pull us over. The situation escalated into a high-speed crash into a fire hydrant, and I was injured and in shock. During the incident, I was shot four times and lay on the ground for 45 minutes at gunpoint, unsure if I was dying. I was transported to a hospital and later transferred to a jail facility. Throughout this ordeal, I prayed continuously; people around me were praying for my recovery. I am grateful to have survived, though I mourned the loss of my friend.  

While in jail, I received spiritual support, including a Bible and messages of faith. Spending two months alone in a holding cell provided time for reflection and deepened my connection with God. During this period, I heard His voice clearly for the first time. I realized that my previous life was empty and incomplete. I have since committed to this new path, making the decision to pursue healing and purpose for myself, not for anyone else. 

The peace, happiness, and love I feel at The WellHouse with staff and fellow residents are beyond anything I have ever experienced before. I have learned the true meaning of family and friendship, and I feel closer to God than ever before. I am working toward goals I once believed were unattainable for me. My experiences have given me a perspective I wouldn’t have gained otherwise; I might have fallen back into addiction or worse. I no longer ask God why I suffered, but instead thank Him every day for the testimony I am now able to share. I believe my story can help others who feel hopeless.

I am thankful for the trials I have gone through, as they have brought me to where I am today. I am committed to continuing my healing journey, doing God’s work, and helping others find their way to Jesus.