Stories

Women of Courage: Angela’s Story

By Carla McRee

Looking back, Angela’s not sure what she would have done without the help she received from Shepherd’s Gate and all of our loyal volunteers, donors and prayer supporters. What a difference you’ve made in her life! Angela was on the verge of suicide, and when you look at her life, it’s not hard to understand why she felt so hopeless. Her parents were 15 and 16 when she was born, and her dad was a drug dealer. She grew up surrounded by illegal drugs, and she began using them when she was just 9 years old. Thirty-five years later, she was homeless, jobless, terribly addicted, and she had given up custody of her daughter because she knew she was unable to provide what her little girl needed. She had never felt so alone. Holding the gun in her hand, she asked God for a sign. She asked Him to show her if she had anything left to live for. Within moments, her phone rang. On the other end was a friend Angela hadn’t spoken to in over a decade. Soon her friend had told Angela about Shepherd’s Gate — and Angela came to us for help. She found peace, sobriety, and a loving relationship with a God she’d never really known before. She found verses in the Bible to encourage her and help her find strength.

Angela has now been sober for over 5 years and has been working at the same job for 5 years. Now stable, she’s able to be the mom she always wanted to be for her daughter. In her darkest moment, I’m sure there’s no way she could have pictured the life she’s living now — but thanks to people who cared for her and prayed for her, she’s a beautiful picture of God’s power to change a life. When you’re facing difficulties, what are some of your favorite scriptures to turn to? Please share them with us — they’ll be a big encouragement to other readers, as well as our women here at Shepherd’s Gate.

Carla McRee Associate Director, Shepherd’s Gate

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