Paperback Book!
Our journey started when our daughter started experiencing migraines at the age of 15. We went from doctor to doctor and then had our daughter admitted to a hospital that specialized in migraines. After a week of tests, diet change, and other procedures they gave her discharge papers with the words… we do not know how to help you.
Life continued as we visited doctors and emergency rooms on a regular and sometimes daily. Doctors gave her oxycodone like M&M’s because back in the 90s doctors did not want anyone to struggle with pain. The pattern of more pills continued week after week.
By the age of 22, our daughter was addicted to legal drugs and at the age of 29, she was introduced to heroin. Heroin did help her get rid of her migraines, but a terrible choice.
My wife and I did our best to hide our struggles feeling hurt, shame, and failure as parents. It looked like everyone had perfect families and doing well as we walked this path alone.
On Thanksgiving morning 2013, God gave me a clear vision while lying in bed. I visualized our daughter sitting on our front porch step, hood up and zoned out on drugs. That was the beginning of Sweatshirt of Hope.
I spent that Thanksgiving Day putting the vision God gave me on paper. I finished and put the paper away telling God I cannot do this. I did not have time; we did not have money and I do not want to be upfront sharing my story.
A verse that was given to me and carried me through many challenging days is from Isaiah 40:31
- Those who have HOPE in the Lord
- Will renew their strength.
- They will soar on wings like eagles;
- They will run and not grow weary,
- They will walk and not be faint.
After years of struggle and disappointment, I realize God gave me aTest so I have a Testimonyto help others who are struggling that God is sovereign and has a plan for His glory!
Then in 2018, God gave me another clear vision to host an event where persons struggling with life can find FREE resources without providing their contact information in fear of someone finding out about their struggle. That was the beginning of our Hope Fest. So Do Not Struggle Alone!
