This won’t be in vain, Mom

“This won’t be in vain, Mom.”

When I spoke these words to my mom, I didn’t know how they were going to be fulfilled.

My name is Keshia Buskirk, and I am writing this column for several reasons: to tell my story unashamedly, to show others that they are capable of overcoming even the toughest of battles, and to provide resources to those in need.

I was just coming out of a 14-year addiction to methamphetamine and all things speed. I had alienated myself from my family and had just started an informal adjustment with DCS. I had let so many people down during my active addiction; emotions were still really raw on both sides. My mom wasn’t really willing to take me at my word, considering all the lies and heartbreak the past 14 years had brought. Addiction is, after all, a family disease.

As I was talking to my aunt in Terre Haute about all of this, she told me ‘Honey, you need to pray for deliverance.’

When I prayed this prayer, I was not expecting the answer to be so bold! See, I had believed in Jesus for a very long time, but I had just never experienced His power. After praying that prayer, my life was forever changed.

I was given a supernatural source of strength that still blows my mind. I didn’t go through the withdrawals that are typical when coming off of methamphetamine. I became an early riser, which has never been my thing. I was able to manage emotions that I had not truly experienced in years and through therapy work on myself and important family relationships.

Three years later, I sit in awe of what the Lord has done in my life. Not only am I three years clean from methamphetamine, but I also have mended family relationships that I once thought would always be broken. I am also part of an awesome church family at Whosoever Will Full Gospel church in Dugger.

Perhaps the biggest blessing of all is that I have been given this second chance to be the mother and wife I should have been a long time ago.

If I can do it, you can too!

I am so grateful for the people and opportunities God has brought into my life during this season. And for all of those who have supported my vision along my journey to starting the Peer 2 Peer support group, I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my thoughts using this platform!! Thank you Patti Danner for all you do!!

What can I say other than God is good!

Keshia Buskirk is the facilitator for the Peer 2 Peer Recovery support group and a guest columnist for the Greene County Daily World. Keshia can be reached at keshiabgcdw@gmail.com