It was August of 2004. I had just been released from jail and knew I needed a church home, so my sister brought me to Hope. We came here because she knew if anyplace would be accepting of me, it was here.⁣ ⁣ I came in and couldn’t believe the feeling I got when I was here. The Holy Spirit was present, and I knew I was home. Each week, I had Pastor Mike sign my slip from my Probation Officer. I asked him what else I could be doing to grow in my faith. He told me to take Alpha.⁣ ⁣ I was put in a group of women whom I was certain wouldn’t accept a girl like me. I soon found out, these were the most accepting and loving women I could have ever asked for. They actually celebrated my birthday and surprised me with gifts. I felt so loved.⁣ ⁣ Staying in recovery was still hard. I was a telemarketer, working hard to make ends meet. People around me were still using drugs, and bill collectors where hounding me. I had to work the weekend of the Holy Spirit Retreat. I missed all of Friday night an...