What is hope? Hope is defined as a confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness. When you are in addiction, there seems to be no hope. You are totally lost and broken. In the beginning, it may seem fun and exciting. Before long, it is an endless cycle of hopelessness that the addict wants so desperately to break away from. The family of an addict may feel even less hope than the addict themselves. After all, they have watched their child or loved one become someone they do not know. They become helpless and hopeless, trying to fight the demon of addiction but getting nowhere.
For Molly’s mother, Hope Threadgill, this had become all too real. She had watched as her child became someone she did not even recognize anymore. Molly was going down a very dark path. Hope watched as Molly would go in and out of jail. “It was relief when she was in jail because I knew where she was and that she was ok,” Hope stated. Trying her best to help Molly, she would not go see her or take her calls from jail. Hope felt that this would give the tough love that Molly so desperately needed to pull her out of this dark pit.
Hope questioned herself many times. “What have I done wrong as a mother?” She was praying and trusting God to break this vicious cycle, but nothing was happening. Hope watched as two of her nephews lost their lives from the same life-controlling issues that Molly had. She knew that only a miracle from God would change things.
While in prayer, Hope remembered that her mother had told her about having the faith of a mustard seed. She began to pray harder than she had ever prayed before. She started to stand on God’s promises. She knew that He had perfect timing, and that He had a hope and future for us all. This included Molly. Things began to turn around. Molly began asking about programs that could help her, which is something she had never done in the past. Molly was facing some serious legal charges, and she was tired of this life. God made a way for her to come to Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland, and both Molly and Hope will forever be grateful.
At her first visit with Molly at Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland, Hope was amazed at the transformation only after just one month. “Molly had a glow about her that only God could have put there.” The first words Molly spoke to her mother were expressing how sorry she was for all she had done. Molly went on to declare, “All my sins have been forgiven, and I have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus.” Throughout the entire visit, Molly excitedly shared with her mother about the things of God. Every visit since then, she talks about all the things she learns and how God continues to reveal things to her. It is amazing to see what God is doing in and through her.
This year will be the first Christmas in a very long time that Hope will get to be with Molly. Many years were missed due to jail and active addiction. “I am so very thankful to Pastor Tim and Mrs. Sheridan for obeying the Holy Spirit and answering the call to open Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland,” Hope states. Both Molly and Hope are grateful to all of those who partner with Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland whether it be through volunteering, praying, donating, partnering financially, etc. If it were not for those who so graciously give to the ministry of Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland, this family would not have this incredible opportunity.
Although things look hopeless at times, we serve a God that can take any situation and make it good. During this Christmas season, Adult and Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland is very grateful for all of those who help make this ministry possible. Because of your gracious giving, we have been able to help many who have felt that there is no hope left. It is because of you that souls are being saved, bondages are being broken, and families are being restored. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.