Hello, my name is Sasha.  I would like to share a little of my story with you which is a message of hope.  I was raised in what was considered by the world’s standards a “normal” home.  My parents loved, cared for, and provided for us the best they knew how.

My parents, family, and church were by far “less than perfect” but some how I believed I had to be.  I struggled with this delusion and became an emotional wreck by the time I was twelve.  When I fell short of my own “high expectations,” I felt like an utter failure. 

At this time that I quit attending church, started using alcohol and mind-altering drugs seeking relief. During the next thirty-five years I made many poor choices that affected me and everyone around me.  I married numerous times and during one ten year marriage I was blessed with three beautiful children. 

They have now become wonderful young adults despite me.  As they came of school age I fast grew bored and anxious leaving them with their father to go “find myself.”  I found myself allright!  I found I had become all the things I hated: a liar, a thief, and a master manipulator. 

In a moment of desperation and clarity, ten years ago, I called on Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  I diligently studied scripture and became quite adapt to quoting it, but fell short of living it out.  My life grew increasingly worse and I didn’t know why. 

A friend pointed out an acrostic for bible was “basic instructions before leaving earth.”  There was my problem.  I had never followed the instructions in the Bible. I always sought out shortcuts that ended up as painful experiences. 

The person you see today you would not have recognized a year ago.  I had lost all hope, self respect, and any desire to keep on living.  I was a complete alcoholic and addict , I did many demoralizing things to myself to support my habits and I became a regular guest at local county jails. 

I thank God for the prayers of the faithful- you see, I’m a mother, daughter, sister, and lost child… so if you prayed for any of these God heard and answered.  I was blessed to come to House of Grace November of 2006 and since my arrival my life has been completely turned around.  Thanks to the loving support and guidance of all those who have shared their time, talents, and resources I am being healed. 

I was recently given the opportunity to share in someone else’s vision to establish a women’s outpatient program at CityTeam’s Portland ministry.  In the five short weeks I was there, I experienced what sharing our hope is all about.  I was truly touched and blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  To be able to share in the lives of others in despair and to give them help and hope is a treasure I will not forget. 

My hope is to return to Portland and continue to reach out to those in need.  I have found that the best way I can work through my own recovery is to reach out to other with a heart of service. Wherever God decides to send me, I pray that he continues to equip me to be a blessing to others.  May God bless you all and I thank you for blessing me.