“God Didn’t Create You to Destroy Yourself: Reclaiming Life from Alcohol”

Just a moment to share something that grabbed my attention. I was heading to a meeting the other night in a part of D.C. that some people call “the hood,” but I simply see it as a community filled with people facing challenges. As I drove through the neighborhood, I noticed a particular liquor store I remembered from years ago. It used to be a small little shop next to a bus stop.

To my surprise, the liquor store had expanded into a much larger business. The furniture store that once stood beside it was now gone, and the liquor store had taken over that space. The first thing that came to my mind was, “Wow… they’re making money. That’s why they expanded.”

But the deeper truth hit me: in places where people are struggling—financially, emotionally, spiritually—liquor stores thrive. They become a legal version of a drug house, because alcohol is a drug. It’s a chemical that numbs you. It gives the illusion of comfort while slowly destroying your body, your mind, your relationships, and sometimes your life.

I’m not judging anyone who drinks. But we must ask: What purpose does alcohol really serve?

Maybe I speak with bias because I don’t drink, but I’ve witnessed the damage it causes. I’ve seen people numb their pain with alcohol, damage their kidneys and liver, and lose themselves trying to escape the stress of uncertainty—rising costs, unemployment, broken homes, depression, trauma, and the daily fight to make ends meet.

And in the middle of all that pain sits a big liquor store offering “relief,” while slowly taking away the very life people are trying to save.

If you are a person fighting addiction, please seek professional help. It does not make you weak. It makes you courageous. And I want to share two powerful testimonies from those who came out of alcoholism and continue to walk the path of sobriety.

Testimony from Ms. N. Hercules

“I am not sure who needs to hear this so I am going to share it for everyone. Getting sober isn't ‘easy.’ There will be days when it sucks so bad. But guess what??? If you are working on yourself you will see yourself through those times and remain sober.

Too many people say support groups aren’t for me—but then say they can’t stay sober. Sitting in your apartment waiting for the sober fairy to arrive isn’t going to happen. If you want to enjoy your sobriety you have to live it!!

What does that look like? For me, it looks like helping others stay sober. Having a network of sober people. I didn’t get and stay sober by doing all my old things. NO WAY!!! I wanted NEW. I wanted better than the depressed, angry, bitter me.

Every day is a battle to choose what side wins. If I get lazy, I already know what’s gonna win… alcohol.

We are coming into the holiday season. I work with places all over the country! I am the resource ‘queen.’ Sobriety doesn’t have to be miserable and depressing. You got this. I believe in anyone in this group.

You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t want change. My question is: Who do you expect to change—YOU or everyone else?

Be blessed. Stay sober. And lead with kindness.”

Testimony from Ms. C. Hilmes

“I had to lose everything—complete darkness—before I could see the light.

I spent most of my life surviving, convincing myself that surviving day-to-day was strength. When the weight of ‘being strong’ got too heavy, I did anything I could to forget. I tried to blur the pain, silence the memories, and pretend the emptiness wasn’t a void I was desperately trying to fill.

Somewhere between the darkness and beginning again, I realized surviving and living were completely different.

Healing is not a straight line from point A to point B. It’s messy, it’s scary, and sometimes it’s a lonely path. It’s full of lessons I didn’t want, but needed.

I’m still walking it. Some days crawling. Some days lying there until I can pick myself back up.

I’m learning to build peace after chaos, learning to trust again, and learning to live without expecting the next storm to hit.

If you’ve lost yourself trying to be ‘OK,’ you’re not alone. We can heal, rebuild, and learn to live—not just survive—even after everything burns down. This isn’t my ending. This is where I finally begin.”

One thing is certain: alcohol or drugs will never solve the real problem. Addiction is real, and it is one of the hardest battles a person can fight. Many believe they can defeat it alone, but most people need support, help, and accountability.

To those who fight the urge every single day—you are warriors.To those surrounded by liquor stores that stay open late and prey on pain—you are stronger than your surroundings.To those who feel alone—you are not.

You are worth being here.You are worth being healthy.You are worth being with your family.You are worth living a life of joy and purpose.

There is beauty inside you that the world needs, but you must fight to bring it out. Look in the mirror each day and remind yourself: You are here for a purpose.

When you tap into the God within you, you gain the strength to overcome any addiction. And once you break free, you’ll begin to see life differently. You will save money, regain clarity, restore relationships, and rediscover your passions. You can travel, build a business, create a garden, and do things that bring true joy—things addiction hides from you.

This newsletter is a message to anyone struggling: You are loved. You do not have to fight alone. There are programs, counselors, support groups, and people who truly want to help you heal. But you must take the first step.

We pray this message reaches you with love, strength, and hope. May God guide you through the storm and into the abundant life He has prepared for you.

You can overcome.You can rebuild.You can live.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, please know that help is available and you do not have to face this battle alone. You can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For individuals in the Washington, D.C. area, local support is also available through Alcoholics Anonymous at (202) 966-9115, where compassionate volunteers can help you take the next steps toward recovery. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of courage, and it could be the first step toward healing, clarity, and a renewed life.