The Storyteller

"I used to sit on the hillsides back when we had no electricity or running water in our community I grew up in. And I used to gaze into the sky at night and the only friends I had were my dogs. I would sit there on a hill. I'd wonder where, and why and all these things. My sense of belonging... and all these questions were always there."

“I was brought up in a good financial home, but I did not have a good spiritual home. My father drank every day of his life and my mother was not saved. Other folks in our community carried us to church. I realized I needed something because I had tried alcohol, I had tried drugs, I had tried crime, and I knowed that I needed something. I couldn’t take it no longer, and I just surrendered to the Gospel, and accepted Him as my personal Savior that day.”

She tried everything, and couldn't find peace. She even thought of suicide. It wasn't until she connected with the same thing that her Kiowa ancestors learned that Cheryl found what she was looking for. Listen as she shares the rest of her story.

Cheryl is a Kiowa from Oklahoma City. Her family is originally from Mountain View, OK. In this first part of her story, Cheryl talks about the confusion that resulted from her parents splitting up. She recalls going to church as a child, but as she got older, she chose another way. She got involved in drinking - using it's favors to try to find peace. But it only brought more pain.

Jimmy's life was changed after he surrendered his will to God. Alcohol and drugs no longer ruled his life and this was good for everyone. His family got involved in an area church. Life was really different. But, with all that God had done, He was not finished with Jimmy. Little did Jimmy know the incredible plans God had for him.

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to get our attention. Though he wanted to quit using, Jimmy knew that the alcohol and drugs were affecting his family. One day she gave him an ultimatum... and he had to make a choice. He told her he would quit, and he really meant it. But he only broke her trust again. When she realized that she could help him, things began to change. But it was on a highway headed into Oklahoma City that God finally got Jimmy's full attention.

Standing in front of the court, listening to the Judge telling his lawyer to shut up and sit down, Jimmy realized that this was serious. What was it that took him down this road? And how could he change? Sadly, things only got worse. He became the person he never wanted to be.

Harsh words can cut deep... and they can flow freely when someone is intoxicated. Jimmy knows. He describes the shock and pain of hearing the most important woman in his life call him down. He was used to dealing with the outbursts, but when they began being directed at him, it was something different. Eventually, he reached a breaking point and decided to take matters in his own hands.

Jimmy was affected by alcohol at an early age. For all those who have suffered through the fear and uncertainty that comes when a family member is under the influence, this story will speak to you. Listen as Jimmy recounts his early days, and the struggle he faced as a young boy in his home.

Molly's early years were marked with abuse. Alcohol had a hold of her, but she wasn't content. Finally, she decided that she would turn to the Lord... and her life was changed.