VOL 34, ISSUE 4. DECEMBER 2017.
Hi, my name is Marita. I’m 29 years old. Growing up,
drugs were never a part of my life – I was an honor student
and a varsity athlete. I came to Florida in 2006 for college
with high hopes for my future. Sadly, a knee injury ended
my competitive running career, and my identity was lost. I
started partying and experimenting with drugs. I was
instantly hooked. What started out as fun, soon became a
full blown addiction. I was young, reckless and thought I
was invincible. In 2009, I was arrested for a DUI that quite
possibly saved my life. I managed to get off of opiates, and
calm my life down. I worked, and made a second attempt at
school, but partying always took center stage.
In 2013, I had my daughter, Emma Rose. I thought my love
for her would keep me clean and on the right path. She
became my identity. I poured all that I had into her, leaving
nothing for myself. Again, I relapsed, and soon I was using
heroin and crack. After Emma’s second birthday, I went to
a secular rehab. I remained clean for three days after
leaving that facility.
In the beginning of 2016, I was arrested on four felony
charges. DCF got involved. Not wanting to lose Emma, I
agreed to treatment. After I completed my case plan as a
model client, I again began using. I lost everything, except
Emma, this time around. I did things I didn’t think I was
capable of to get high.
One night I cried out to God and through divine intervention
I entered Agape Home one week later. These past nine
months have been an amazing journey. I am so thankful
that my relapses landed me here. The hole in my soul I tried
filling for years with many vices has now been filled by
God. I have a relationship with Jesus that I never knew was
possible. He has healed me from my past hurts. I have
finally found my true identity. I know I am completely
forgiven and deeply loved. Physically, He has healed my
body of hepatitis C. Through the power of prayer, I have
been acquitted of all legal charges. God is good!
The Lord has given me hope for my future. I am finally the
mom Emma deserves. I have been restored with my family
– having earned back their support and respect. I have plans
to return to school. God has given me the ability to dream
again. I never understood why my love for Emma couldn’t
keep me clean. Now I know that only God - His love and
grace, as well as my relationship with Him is what will keep
me clean. My journey is just beginning. I am so thankful I
am not walking it alone. Because of God, I am not who I
once was. I am finally the person He created me to be.