When I was 14 years old, I almost died from alcohol poisoning so the state place me in a secular rehabilitation program for 6 months.  I stayed there but only to get out and start using drugs again.

    I thought that I had everything under control, until I found out I was pregnant.  I was only 16 1/2 years old and 2 months along.  The father of my child had left the state before I could tell him about the baby.  Now I was scared, single, "young mother."

    When my daughter was 2 weeks old, I met the man of my dreams who swept me off my feet.  I thought he accepted and loved me and my daughter.  He was to make life so much better for us.

    Our marriage was brief due to more abuse.  After the divorce, I was heart-broken and didn't know how I was going to live without him.  I turned to the only alternative that I knew to take away the pain.  I turned to crack cocaine and heroin.

    I never thought I would see myself using a needle but my standards sank lower and I was willing to take more risks.  Drugs had become my life!

    Stealing cars, writing stolen checks, and selling dope was the next step.  I did things I told myself I would never do.  It was to the point that I didn't have time for my daughter.  Junkies just don't make good mothers.

    I saw no easy way out of the lifestyle I was living.  So many times I tried on my own strength to quit and it failed.  There had to be something better out there for me, but where?  Finally, I hit rock-bottom.

    No where to turn, my mom talked me into turning myself in on a bench warrant for uttering a forged instrument, which is a felony.  I thought my life was over but little did I know it had just begun.

    While I was in jail, a bailiff gave me my first Bible.  She told me about Jesus and Teen Challenge.  It was very hard to leave my daughter behind but I knew that I had to come to Teen Challenge.

    Words cannot express how much the Lord has totally changed my life.  I realize that the void I was trying to fill with drugs can only be filled with the love of Jesus.  He has healed me from the shame of sexual abuse, changed my heart, and filled me with His peace.

    I no longer have to turn to drugs for my problems because Jesus is there to carry my burdens.  I am deeply loved by Him and He has forgiven me.

    I am not the old Barbara anymore, I am a new creation!  I am now the mom that my little girl deserves.  I thank God for giving me a second chance at life--eternal life!