My name is Brandy.  My two sisters and I were raised by both of our parents.  Our parents were extremely God fearing and full of love.  Life as a child was wonderful and I could not have asked for a better family.

When I was 12 years old my father was murdered.  My mother did the very best to keep our family together after such devastation.  As hard as she tried things did eventually fall apart.  Due to certain situations and occurrences inside our home I ran away.  I was 15 years old and living with my husband to be.

I gave birth to my first child at 16 years old.  My relation began to rapidly deteriorate.  I gave birth to my second child at 20 years old.  By the time I was 23 years old I was unbearably miserable.  I felt very alone and scared.  I tried to commit suicide.  Halfway through the bottle of pills, the Lord spoke to me.  He revealed to me to stop and that my children were going to need me, and so I did.  After coming out of the bathroom, I knew I had to get out of the home to save myself and I left, leaving my children with their father.

One week after I left home I was introduced to speed.  From the first time I did it my emotions were numb and I knew that as long as I was high I did not have to feel.  During the first year of my addiction I was involved in gang activities, drug deals, living in scum.  I was raped and beaten.  At this point in my life I truly believed that I deserved anything that came my way.  My final year in my addiction I was involved in a relationship in which I was brutally beaten every two to three weeks.

My family saw me about eight times during this two year period.  My mother knew she was losing me and her prayers never ceased.  One week prior to my arrest, my mother prayed, asking the Lord to arrest me if that was what it was going to take to save my life.  Her prayer was answered.

Today because of the Lord and the family he provided for me, I am free from my bondage.  Through Him I am a strong woman who has been forgiven and has learned to forgive as well.  My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ saved my life and changed me beyond worldly belief.  I am very blessed to have my children and entire family in my life today.  I am going home to my mothers on June 1, 2004 after a 20 month prison term.  The Lord knows your heart and once you truly change your life and heart, turning from all evil HE will give back to you all you have lost and so much more. I will do the Arsenal daily that Mel gave me.