by: Erin Blair

“God who I am going in is not who I want to be when I leave”. This was my prayer nearly 20 years ago as I walked through the doors of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center at 21.

Multiple DUI’s, a suicide attempt that led me to a mental institution at 15, abusive relationships, the loss of an unborn child due to drug addiction, and multiple treatment facilities.

But February 21, 2002 everything on earth and in heaven shifted in my favor. As I entered a treatment facility something was different. I was ready, willing, open, surrendered.

Where brokenness surrounded me, I encountered a healing and redemptive love when I asked Jesus to forgive me, renew me, and use me. My eyes became clear. My heart was purified. My countenance glowed. That day in rehab I began telling people about Jesus and I haven’t stopped since.

God comforts us in our troubles SO THAT we can comfort others in theirs (2 Corinthians 1:4). God rescued me from a lifestyle leading to jails, institutions, and death so that I could partner with Him to help rescue others. Today I am a momma to 5 world changers (4 bios and 1 adopted), in ministry with my husband who is my best friend, and I am a Certified Life Coach and Brain Health Coach. My mission on Earth is to lead as many people as I can to freedom in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

My pain birthed passion, purpose, and the call to unlock potential in others so they can unleash change into their world. My pain gave me empathy for the hurting. Hope for the addict. A longing to see the stigma of mental health broken. And my pain reminds me constantly that nothing is too big for our God.

If you are going through a firey trial right now, keep going. The flames that are meant to take you out will become a fire in your bones you can’t hold in. Then, you will reach into the fiery furnace, grab the hand of a sister, and walk with her into victory. Your freedom is meant to be the catapult to someone else’s destiny!

God is not done writing your story. Be honest. Reach out for help if needed. Surrender. Let the Holy Spirit fill you. And you will be in awe of how God uses you for His Kingdom. Freedom is calling! Will you answer?