Darkness To Light – A Post From My Mom
The people who walked in
darkness
Have seen a great light
Those who dwelt in the land of
the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2
The above verse exemplifies nicely the beginning of an incredible new journey that began when the doctor announced I had only two days of life left within me. According to him, the cirrhosis of my liver had progressed to the point of no return, and there was nothing that could be done. Thus, I began on my path in the shadow of death, leading me daily away from the darkness and towards the light; the most unexpected, spirit-filled, eye-opening, gracious, joyous journey I have ever had the pleasure to experience. So powerful is my journey that it is impossible for the mind to wrap around, no words to express the many endowments.
Jesus is with me every step of the way, and the truths he uncovers for me each day are overwhelmingly awesome. It is no less than a miracle that is happening within me due to his teachings. I am surely and truly blessed by God’s grace.
I had unknowingly taken the first step of my mysterious journey a few weeks earlier when I heard “The Voice” in my living room as I posed to take the first drink of the day, the usual, Vodka and 7Up. “The Voice” commanded me to put that drink down – you do not need it, do not want it, do not even like the taste of it….this was so powerful and true that I knew then it was the Voice of God, and I listened. Without taking a sip I rose from the couch, the untouched drink in my hand, headed to the kitchen sink and poured it down the drain. Yes, I listened.
My hard drinking began somewhere in the mid-1980s, and barely a day went by without the ritual of preparing a drink and then drinking one after another until I was done for the evening. It had become routine, and I did not question the reasons.
I can proudly say that I have not had a drink since that “Day of The Voice”. It has been over a year now and I no longer covet a drink. I have walked away from the darkness and into the light. That happened two weeks before my encounter with the hospital. Praise The Lord. I believe with all my heart that if I had taken that first gulp of liquor, mid-July 2008, I would have dropped dead then and there and left a shameful legacy for my two precious daughters, Sarah Mae and Keitha Marie. Praise Jesus, he saved them from that.
Well, that is the beginning of my story, a story my first-born child, Sarah, insisted must be written. There is plenty more – my life before being saved and after being saved is chock full of a plethora of all kinds of stuff!
Thanks for listening, God bless you and keep you,
Susan Lynn Sherman Van Deilen Clark Messer Potts, the mother of a most precious and special daughter, Sarah Mae.
This photo was taken in May when my mom was able to visit and see all three of her grandchildren for the first time.
*If you’re coming here from (in)courage, welcome! You can click here to see newer posts and here if you want to hang out with me daily…be sure to bring your coffee (or tea)! :)
Wow, what a powerful post. It brought tears to my eyes. How great that your Mom was able to hear God's words and turn this around.
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What an incredible journey you are both on together in faith. God bless you both!
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Very powerful and poignant. It was so brave of you to share this with all of us!
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What an amazing story – I'd love to hear more of it!
Definitely a story that needed to be told! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Both you and your mom are brave! It's so good that y'all share yourselves like this.
Thank you.
smooches,
Larie
.-= Larie´s last blog . . . …of She Speaks Conference part 4 =-.
How brave of your mom to write these words. So often our choices get us into bad places in life. But what good news that she is no longer drinking. It's so common to fill a void with many things – drinking, drugs, shopping, relationships, etc. But only God can fill that emptiness with His presence through Jesus. Oh, I look forward to reading your thoughts on this on Friday, Sarah Mae.
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I am so thankful to hear of what the Lord is doing in your life. I remember last year when Sarah Mae found out you were so ill. It sounded so hopeless at the time. It truly is a miracle that you are here and able to share this courageous story and tell of His amazing grace!
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
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Praise God, He is so good and faithful!
Thanks for sharing!
God Bless!
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Wow!! I am really glad your mom was saved! This is a very moving testimony. Praise God!
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I am so glad that your sweet daughter insisted that your story be written – what a wonderful testimony to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (and to us, too)!
Hearing your (shortened) story (from your daughter a couple weeks ago) of how God has shown His wondrous grace and mercy to you brought tears to my eyes. It is the story of a one who has been transformed into a beloved sister in Christ!
I thank the Lord for you!
Emily Rose
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Thank you so much for sharing your powerful story. It gives me hope and encouragement that some of my family may still find the peace and salvation that only comes through Jesus. It's NEVER too late to receive His love and forgiveness.
Kimba
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Thank you for this powerful testimony. As the daughter of an alcoholic this is what we long to hear. Thank you for telling this story and I look forward to Friday's post.
.-= Jackie from Embracing My Blessings´s last blog post … The beginning of my day… =-.
We do the best we can…and then God leads us to do differently when we trust Him enough to obey…I am thankful for you…for the restoration you are allowing in your life, for your walk in God's obedience to stop….for your love for your self and for those you love….I am thankful for you today!
hugs!!!!
What an amazing testimony! Thanks for sharing.
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Wow. I'm almost speechless!! What an amazing post! Thank you so much for sharing!!
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Sweet! Praise the Lord He speaks to us! Praise the Lord we hear Him. And praise Him for His endless mercy and grace!
.-= Debbie´s last blog post … Hiding God’s Word in Our Heart =-.
How incredibly amazing of your mother to share this. And what a blessing that she has this story to tell! From someone who's mother left me at 3 years old due to drug/alcohol abuse I understand the pain that comes from this disease. I'm so proud your mother has broken free.
.-= Mirinda´s last blog post … Happy Birthday to ME :) =-.
i am so happy to read this.. i know we have both shared the burden of family who are not living for the lord… this encourages me to never give up.. thank you
What an incredible testimony to God's glory! Thank you for sharing and I pray it reaches hearts that we may never even know of!
.-= Christin´s last blog post … Journey into Prayer… =-.
Ms. Susan, can we call you Mom? :)
Thanks for your honesty. The love of Christ shines through. I look forward to more posts to come. You truly are loved.
Sarah Mae, thanks for reminding us of the power of prayer!! Just amazing.
~Allie
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Thanks so much for sharing this incredible story!
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What courage to listen to the voice of God after so many years of drinking. And, what courage your mom is displaying today by sharing her story. God is so good!!
.-= Kristina´s last blog post … Cheering Me On =-.
Having a FIL that is an alcoholic, this post was balm to my soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you for reminding me there is always hope in the Lord. It reminds me to keep praying for him, never wavering in my faith that the Lord will deliver him.
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What a beautiful and wonderful miracle! I look forward to hearing more of the story. This does give me hope as I continue praying for my many family members. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
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Halelujah! He is SO AMAZING!!!! I can not wait to see what the rest of His plan is for you because CLEARLY He isn't finished yet! He is especially fond of you. Never ever forget that.
.-= Rebekah´s last blog post … I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign. Life is demanding without understanding… =-.
Praise God for His wonderful and miraculous ways! I'm so happy for you in your sobriety, your walk with Jesus, and your relationship with your daughter. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for sharing your testimony with us all. It is a puzzle piece we need to hear. I am glad to be able to hear your story and Yes He does still perform miracles…this such a miracle. Addiction is oppression…and to live through death consequences by God's Mighty Hand. Praise Be to HIM. I love the words you use "The Voice" and that you know the voice was HIS. I am thankful you told us the details. I am moved in my spirit that without a doubt He will be sure I HEAR HIS VOICE… then it is just up to me to respond my will to Him.
May your blessed journey be filled with light and life.
Hugs, Angelia
Is He good, or what? Your story, your courage, and His goodness give me hope for the mountains faced in my life. I have a brother who battles with addictions. I don't always think it is possible he will come to the Lord, but I have hope. Thank you for your story.
One part that touched me is the note under the picture – the fact that you saw your grandkids for the first time. What a blessing for your daughter and for them that you are still here. It's only because of Him and He has given you a second chance to love on them and bless them. Praise God! Blessings on you all and I would love to hear more of your story. Thanks for sharing this piece of your life with us.
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Wow! what an awesome story… guite fitting for in-courage. I shouldn't be… but I am… always amazed by the Lords faithfulness.
I pray God's continued blessings on you. You have a beautiful testimony!
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful work God has done. I long to see Him move like this more and more!
beautiful. :)
Your spirit shines light, and Light, right through that picture. Alcoholism has written on my story too, but I live a life blessed in ways I would never have imagined. And in that we never know when pages turn, love reveals. I pray for your continued healing, and hope that feeling the hugs and love of your grandchildren , as well as your beautiful daughters, will hold you gently. Blessings .
.-= deb@talk at the table´s last blog post … OUR DAILY WORK =-.
Praise the Lord! Thank you for sharing. Your testimonies were absulutely heart rending, uplifting and encouraging (I needed to hear them today). Our God is truly a miracle working God, of miracles both great and small. The God who miraculously healed me of meningitis 23 years ago, when I had two young children, and the same God through whom I breathe every breath and take every step today, now that my children are grown and I am a grandmom! He is always true to His promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you"!
Isn't God amazing like that? Thank you for sharing. Putting it all out there must be hard for you mom and for you. But you are giving God the glory He deserves for such an act of loving kindness.
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Thank you so much for this post and the one on incourage, my husband is an alcoholic, he is so MEAN, and controlling and i have given up on alot of things alot of times and I just want you to know this gives me so much hope even though I cannot seem to see light at the end of this tunnel I am in.