My name is Tammy Beaty, and I attend the Carthage Hope for Life group sponsored by Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland. When you first hear of Teen Challenge, you automatically think of drug and alcohol addiction. I have never had a drug or alcohol addiction, but I have had my share of other life-controlling issues. Anger, depression, and codependency are just a few of the things I have struggled with throughout my life. I grew up in a home where drugs were the norm. There were parties every night of the week. I watched my parents and their friends drink and do drugs. Because I grew up in this environment, I was determined that my own children would never have to endure what I went through as a child.
I moved out at the age of 18 and into the house with my boyfriend. We later had children and were together 25 years. Although I never had parties or abused drugs or alcohol, I still hurt my children just as badly. I would lash out at the very least little thing. There was lots of mental, verbal, and emotional abuse. This made for a very unhealthy environment to live in for my children and myself.
I was asked to attend a meeting with my ex-boyfriend. That meeting was the first night of the rest of my life. Since that night, I have restored broken relationships with my children and met some truly amazing people. These people accepted me as I was. No questions asked. The most important part of all of this has been my renewed faith in God; my growing in Him each and everyday. I went to church some as a child with friends or my grandmother, but never on a regular basis. My time in this program has shown me how very important my relationship with God is, and I have learned so much about His love for me. My walk is not always perfect, but I strive each day to be better than the day before. Some days are harder than others, but I know that God is with me each step of the way.
I praise God everyday! I know that it is by His grace alone that I have found the R & R I needed all along; just a little renewal and restoration.