items of interest

with contributions from Sally Cole, Yolanda Tarango

"For years, Wanda Livingston tried everything to overcome her addictions. She enrolled in programs and tried to quit cold turkey, but her compulsions still wouldn't let her go. This went on for about ten years, she says, until one night eight years ago, when she believed that God started speaking directly to her. 'I got really angry that night and I said to the Lord, "I don't think you can do this, but you say that you can. So here you go ... you can have my addictions." ' ... That night she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. 'And when I woke up the next morning, I announced to my husband, "I don't know what happened, but ... the addictions are gone...." [She continues,]'And from that day until now, I've been tempted... but I've never felt the craving, the desire to partake again. I believe it was a miracle.'

"[Livingston] now shares her story with anyone who will listen. It's all part of her work as a lay minister with Safe Haven. 'The program is for women in addiction, who have tried everything time again. And we say to them, "Have you tried God?" ....'

"Using the Bible text, 'You will know the truth and the truth will set you free,' the faith-based alternative [program] provides participants with prayer and other spiritual support to get free and stay free from life-controlling addictions.... [According to Livingston, Safe Haven offers] 'heart and soul care for women over the age of 20 in a three-year, day program, based on forming healthy relationships, mentoring, and personal accountability.'"

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