Articles & Resources

Risen: Readings for Easter

Jesus is not dead—He is risen! The resurrection is the ultimate hope of Christianity, and this YouVersion Bible Reading Plan helps us reflect on that truth. Over several days, you’ll explore passages that celebrate the risen Christ and invite the power of His resurrection into your everyday life.

Start the plan here: Risen: Readings for Easter

Huge Hope: Major Power in the Minor Prophets

They may be called the minor prophets, but their messages carry major power. In this 12-day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan, you’ll walk through portions of these twelve books and discover how God brings power in the small things and hope in the midst of despair.

Whether you’re looking for encouragement, perspective, or fresh insight into God’s Word, this plan will help you see how timeless truth shines through even the shortest books of the Bible.

Start the plan here: Huge Hope: Major Power in the Minor Prophets

I was recently asked to speak to a group of people who, like me, have lost a child. As I prepared, I prayed for God’s guidance, asking Him to help me share how His great LOVE for me—and for my daughter, Lacy—has transformed my grief.

Since losing Lacy, I have become aware of LOVE in a new and deeper way. I’ve realized just how much LOVE I have for her—so much that even breathing can feel like a challenge when faced with the reality of living without her. But God has shown me that His LOVE for us is even greater.

Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
When we walk closely with the Spirit of the Lord, we find that He becomes our strength and our peace.

Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
I’ve seen how God has made me whole and even helped me to thrive in the midst of deep sorrow.

His LOVE is complete. Just as we would not want our child to live in pain, he wants us to live for today and be armed to use our pain for his glory!

Being His means becoming fully aware of His incredible healing presence simply by being with Him.

Our God is a jealous God. In a world full of distractions, it’s vital that we fix our eyes on Him. When we find ourselves broken, we must remember that He is the Potter and we are the clay. As Isaiah 64:8 says, “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

So, I shared how God has shown up again and again in my darkest moments to remind me that the Lord of all creation is with me. I hope you feel that truth today.

Take time to be still and listen for what He wants to say to you. He speaks through His Word. If you don’t know where to begin, I suggest starting in Psalms or Proverbs. When a verse brings you comfort, write it down—read it again and again until it’s planted deep in your heart and mind.

God also speaks through people, biblical messages, music, and even through nature. If you seek Him, He will reveal His unending, beautiful LOVE for you.

And perhaps, loving the way God loves is the natural result of walking closely with Him.

My journey of grief began in 2011 with the loss of my son, Corey, to an overdose. It continued for another decade with the tragic passing of my second son, Sean, to the same fate. Through these profound losses, I gained valuable insights into my deep reliance on the divine for solace and guidance. As I remained steadfast in my faith and sought the Lord’s presence, I discovered a wealth of wisdom in the sacred texts of Scripture.

Proverbs 11:4 serves as a poignant reminder that material wealth alone does not guarantee salvation on the day of judgment. Conversely, righteous living holds the power to protect against the inevitability of death.

Society often promotes the notion that accumulating wealth and material possessions guarantees a fulfilling existence. It is crucial to recognize that God does not oppose prosperity while also acknowledging that He emphasizes a fundamental truth we often overlook: righteousness possesses a strength money can never replicate.

Are we living in accordance with righteousness? Are we guided by the light of the Lord, striving to embody His heart? Are we actively serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, even in this life on Earth? Are we dedicated to assisting orphans and widows in their distress? As James 1:27 proclaims, “Pure and undefiled religion is this: to visit orphans and widows in their troubles.” These are the actions that truly lead to salvation.

Ultimately, there will come a day when our financial status will cease to hold any significance and we will be required to stand before our Creator and account for our lives. We will be judged based on our integrity, faithfulness, love for Him, and our treatment of others.

Recently, I experienced the profound loss of my mother. As I sat by her bedside, I realized that all the material possessions she had accumulated throughout her life held no true value. What truly mattered was the way she lived her life. This realization brought me a sense of comfort, knowing she is now enjoying the streets of gold, reaping the rewards of her righteous life in Heaven.

Concluding with Matthew 25:23, Jesus commends a faithful servant for their unwavering devotion, proclaiming, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

I invite you to join me on this journey of righteousness and faith.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Juaire, Sean and Corey’s Mom

Communicating with Substance Abusers | Finding Hope | Week of March 3-9

Do you feel like you're talking to a door? Do you feel like you're on a carousel, going in circles? Do you feel like you need a suit of armor just to get through a conversation? Communication is difficult under the best circumstances, but when you're speaking with a loved one who struggles with substances, it can feel impossible. Their words may be harsh, their actions unpredictable, and their responses unreliable. So how can we communicate effectively while protecting our own emotional well-being? Here are three ways:1) Set Boundaries You have the right to decide what is acceptable in your interactions. If you feel disrespected or manipulated, you do not have to engage. Some boundaries might include:- Refusing to engage in conversations when they are under the influence- Walking away if they raise their voice or become aggressive- Not responding to rude or cruel text messages For example, you might say: “If I feel like they are under the influence, I will not engage in conversation.” “If I feel like the text message is rude, I will delete it and not respond.”2) Pause Before You Engage Before having a conversation, ask yourself:1. Are they sober? If not, then it is not the time to engage in conversation.2. Am I emotionally prepared to have this conversation?     a. If not, then take time to pray, reflect, and regain your peace before proceeding.     b. If yes,  then use a positive “I feel” statement.3) “I Feel” Statements People respond more positively when we clearly express what we want them to DO rather than just telling them what to STOP. When we only point out what to avoid, they may not know the right action to take. Giving clear direction on the desired behavior reduces confusion and improves communication. Don’t Say: “You never listen to me when I talk. ”Do Say: “I feel unheard when you don’t respond to me. ”Don’t Say: “You always embarrass me when you drink. ”Do Say: “I enjoy our time together when you stay sober. ”Shifting your words can shift the outcome of your conversations. Stay firm in your boundaries, express yourself with clarity, and remember—you are not alone in this journey.“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV

Communicating with Substance Abusers: Part 2 | Finding Hope | Week of March 10-16

Communicating with a loved one who is battling substance abuse can feel like shouting underwater, like no matter what you say, your words go unheard and your emotions get dismissed. It’s exhausting. It’s frustrating. It’s painful.

Last week we talked about the importance of boundaries, pausing before you speak, and using positive “I feel” statements. This week I want to challenge you to truly practice setting those boundaries and writing out those positive “I feel” statements.

The Power of Boundaries

Healthy communication starts with clear and firm boundaries:- If they are under the influence, do not engage.- If they are yelling or being verbally abusive, walk away.- If they send cruel or manipulative text messages or emails, don’t respond. Instead, protect your peace by saying:- “I will talk to you when you are sober.”- “I will not engage in conversations that are disrespectful. ”Remember: You are not responsible for their reaction. You are responsible for protecting your well-being. How to Speak So They Hear YouRather than starting with “you” statements that feel like attacks, use “I feel” statements to express your emotions without escalating the conflict: Don’t say: “You always ruin our evenings. ”Do say: “I enjoy our time together when you're sober. ”Don’t say: “You’re so selfish when you drink. ”Do say: “I feel hurt when your drinking takes priority over our time together. ”These small shifts can create a more productive dialogue.

Your Challenge This Week

Take a moment to write down two boundaries you will uphold when communicating with your loved one, as well as writing out as many of your positive “I feel” statements as you need. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

If you grew up without the presence of a Father in your life, you may hold this scripture near and dear to your heart.

In the Psychological Studies community, it is said that those who lack parental relationships may be at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness. A missing parent can create long-term feelings of instability, and the absence of a father figure can lead to challenges in forming trusting relationships later in life. 

I grew up without the relationship of an earthly father. I was fortunate, though, to learn during my teen years that God could be my Heavenly Father. Like the verse says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

How comforting it is to know we have a Heavenly Father who will never leave us or forsake us! I have always needed my relationship with God, but never as much as I do now as I walk along this long road of grief. I am consistently amazed at how true his promises are. To find true healing, we must commit and re-commit daily to know our Heavenly Father. The Bible shows us how we can know our heavenly Father as closely, if not closer than we do our earthly parents. The following verses describe some ways:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

These verses encourage us to meditate on the virtues of our Heavenly Father. When we align our thoughts and actions with his character, we can be assured that our minds will be renewed as well. God doesn’t promise this only for his children who aren’t grieving, in fact, he says in Psalms 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

While there can be a haze of emotions, some caught between what was and what could have been, let’s remember that our heavenly Father wants to heal us.

Let’s challenge one another to be discerning as we keep our thoughts on what is good, pure, and lovely. Allowing ourselves to live in the truth that, although we walk with a heavy heart and miss our loved ones more than others will ever know, we can still grow in understanding and experience a life full of God’s rich blessings and his peace.

Isn’t this what every good parent wants for their children?

Shining the Light that God Shone for Me | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

Early Life and Family

My name is Jessica Brackett. I am originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and by the grace of God, today I am three and a half years sober!

I was born to two very young parents. My mom and dad were both 15 when I was conceived, so my grandparents—who have been married for 54 years—took on more of the parenting roles in my life. They always showed me affection, love, and attention whenever they were around me. They made sure my three brothers and I were provided for, and I am so grateful for the stability and guidance they gave.

Today, I know that my mother did the best she could with what she knew as a young mom, especially because my father was absent. As a girl, I disregarded my feelings about his absence and instead took on the role of protector and caretaker for my brothers. Whenever I needed comfort, I could ride my bike to my grandparents’ house.

I didn’t grow up around drugs or alcohol. We attended church at Free Will Baptist Church when I was younger, and then we didn’t.

Cheerleading and Rebellion

From 3rd grade to 7th grade, I attended Grand View Elementary School, where my grandfather was on the school board. I participated in competitive cheerleading and excelled, but cheer became an outlet for a false sense of self. I channeled everything into becoming the best, using it to distract from negative emotions.

In 7th grade, my mother remarried, and we moved to Locust Grove. That meant no more cheerleading, no grandparents nearby, and my world came crashing down. At age 13, I was trying to find myself with no outlet, security, or stability. Resentment grew toward my mom, and rebellion began.

I started seeking validation in older men and became promiscuous. At 14, I began drinking alcohol and sneaking out to party. By my sophomore year, I was expelled from school and kicked off the cheer squad after being taken advantage of at a party. Humiliated, I dropped out of high school, and things spiraled further.

Addiction and Struggles

At 16, I moved in with my dad and his wife Jenny in Tahlequah. They made me finish high school, and Jenny took me to church, but I felt out of place and depressed. After graduation, I went to beauty college, started smoking marijuana, and was introduced to methamphetamine by 18. I cut myself off from my family, only reaching out when I needed money.

At 20, I found out I was pregnant with my first son, Jay, and later my second son, Colby. I stayed sober for five years, doing my best to hold things together. I told myself I would do anything to keep my family intact. But after years of covering for my partner’s addiction and enduring abuse, I eventually fell back into the same cycle—men, drugs, trauma, repeat.

My addiction escalated quickly. I asked my grandparents to take guardianship of my boys because I couldn’t be present. Afterward, I sank deeper, using heroin and fentanyl. I carried shame, guilt, humiliation, and trauma, convinced I was a lost cause.

By 29, I was broken, contemplating suicide, and begging God, “End me or end this!”

A Divine Encounter

My family, out of options, cut me off. Suicidal and fading fast, I was couch-surfing and in and out of the crisis center. Eventually, I was picked up by Officer Billy Kammerzel, who delivered a message of hope: “If you want something different, you can achieve it. But only you can make that decision.”

He took me back to the crisis center, and my journey to recovery began. I went to The Oaks in McAlester and started reading Proverbs, not even realizing at first that God was answering the prayer I had cried out in desperation.

At 30, I knew I didn’t want my life to look like it had before. I needed more than treatment—I needed true change.

Finding Hope is Alive

Hope is Alive came to The Oaks and shared testimonies about Jesus with joy and authenticity. I doubted I would fit in, but I saw the light of God shining through them and wanted what they had. I even told one of them, “One day I will do what you just did,” though fear consumed me.

When I arrived at HIA, the love of God hit me. I surrendered and began following the women around me who modeled joy, honesty, and faith. Women from Crossings Church came weekly to lead Bible studies, showing me consistency, love, and care. Through them, I saw that Jesus could heal my humiliation and trauma.

Transformation and Purpose

At HIA, I had to fight lies that told me to leave or that I didn’t belong. But with the support of leaders, I pressed on. After a year, I was offered a job with HIA as a regional outreach coordinator, sharing my testimony in treatment centers.

I graduated from HIA in January 2024 and began therapy. In 2025, I moved home to reconcile with my family and my sons, now 11 and 13. I continue to work with HIA, building relationships with churches and treatment centers. God is nowhere close to finished—He is just getting started with my family.

Living in the Light

After years of searching for a father figure in the wrong places, I finally know the Father. Having experienced His unconditional love, I want to tell everyone about it.

Today, I am a fully present mother, granddaughter, daughter, and sister. I speak to families who are suffering in silence, breaking the stigma that kept me trapped for so long.

I am grateful for God’s provision, my family’s forgiveness, and the thriving community I am part of today. HIA gave me tools, community, and the opportunity to share the Gospel in places that desperately need it—and for that, I am eternally grateful.

The Demonstration of Grace | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

This story is from TJ Tomlin, who works as a Regional Outreach Coordinator for Hope is Alive and who recently celebrated three years of continuous sobriety.

Early Years and Success

I started drinking pretty heavily in college, a habit that continued after graduation and well into my adult years. Right after college, I married Dawn, the love of my life, and spent 17 years as the owner and operator of my own MMA gym, training and competing regularly.

My gym became very successful, but at a cost. I neglected my family and ended up addicted to opiates after many injuries and surgeries. During that time, I would have told you I was a believer, but the way I lived said otherwise. I was one of those professing Christians who lived in a way that didn’t represent Christ at all.

Addiction and Collapse

The opiate addiction became worse and worse over time. Eventually, I became a lying, cheating drug addict, leaving behind a wake of destruction in my life and the lives of those around me.

Just under four years ago, it all came crashing down. I was caught in infidelity, and my wife was deeply hurt and scorned. My opiate use and addiction were now public and out for the world to see.

A Demonstration of Grace

Two years before she caught me in adultery, God had already started working on Dawn. She found a true relationship with Jesus, began attending a regular women’s Bible study, and started working on her past trauma. She also stopped drinking and began pursuing her own sobriety.

I was too consumed by my addiction to notice, but her deep relationship with Jesus prepared her for what was to come.

A couple of days after catching me in adultery, Dawn looked me in the eye and told me that Jesus loves me and forgives me, and that she loves me and forgives me as well.

At that moment, I immediately surrendered my life to Jesus. Her demonstration of the gospel brought me to Christ, and since that day—April 14, 2021—I have been sober.

A New Life in Christ

I checked into a 90-day treatment facility and never looked back. Jesus is now the center of my marriage and my life.

I recently sold my MMA business and committed my life to ministry, now working full-time for Hope is Alive. I owe my sobriety and my life to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Stronger on the Other Side: A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

This story is from Jade King, who works as a Recruiting and Outreach Coordinator for Hope is Alive and who recently celebrated three years of continuous sobriety.

A Dark Path

I was a wild child who faced challenges that led me down a dark path away from the Lord and into addiction. I found myself seeking validation through relationships with men, which eventually led me to rock bottom, with actions driven by ignorance, anger, and selfishness.

I was unaware that the consequences of my choices would lead to incarceration and the loss of my children. That loss pushed me further into the darkness of self-hatred and pain.

Finding Faith and Strength

My past struggles led me down a challenging path, but through it all, by the grace of God, I found the strength to overcome addiction and rediscover my faith. My experiences have shaped me into the compassionate and determined person I am today. Both heartbreaking experiences of trauma and triumphant experiences of freedom have become part of my story.

A key promise has come true in my life: the promise of not regretting the past nor wishing to shut the door on it. Without the dark moments in my life, I would never have become the woman God always intended for me to be.

A Beacon of Hope

Today, I stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those suffering from the disease of addiction. I strive to lead by example, showing others the power of redemption and the importance of staying true to oneself.

I am a leader when I can lead and a student when I can learn. Remaining teachable is a commitment I hold close, along with walking the right path and helping others do the same. I live this out daily by sponsoring other women through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and through my full-time job as a recruiting administrative assistant for Hope is Alive.

Looking Ahead

I envision myself as a leader who uplifts and empowers other women and addicts. I strive to be a mother my children can trust and confide in, creating a safe space where they can turn when in turmoil.

My goal is to excel in the field of Psychology and Neuroscience while keeping a humble spirit and remaining approachable, providing a safe place for others to understand who they are in Christ and in their recovery.

Above all, my ultimate desire is to spread love and kindness through action and to embody the teachings of Jesus in all that I do.

Stronger Than Ever

My journey serves as a reminder that no matter how challenging the road may be, with faith and perseverance, one can emerge stronger and more compassionate than ever before.

God Gave Me a Vision; Now He’s Fulfilling It | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

This story is from Mandy Maloney, who currently works as a Program Manager Intern for Hope is Alive and recently celebrated over two and a half years of continuous sobriety.

A Vision in Jail

I remember sitting in county jail and God giving me a vision. In it, I stood on a stage speaking to people, telling them about his message. I never knew that, almost 15 years later, that vision would be a reality.

I have suffered many years of heartache and abuse due to my addiction and dragged my family through the mud with me. I always knew Jesus was the answer because, while I was in jail, I would hear about him and feel his presence. But as soon as I got out, I would hit the ground running again.

Prison Life

I chose a life of prostitution and lived under pimps who controlled my every move until I turned 19. That life led me into a dangerous situation and landed me in prison, where I spent much of my adult life.

Prison hardened me. I forgot how to love. I had kids and didn’t even miss them. My whole life became engulfed in prison life, and I forgot there was anything beyond the prison walls.

Addiction and Abuse

After prison, I got married and started a family, but I fell back into addiction. My husband was ready to settle down and I wasn’t, which ruined our marriage. When we separated, he got custody of the kids, and I ended up in an abusive relationship.

I suffered spiritual and physical abuse until he finally went to prison with a 20-year sentence. I spiraled into psychosis, shaved my head, and walked the streets barefoot, talking to myself. I believed I was moving between the realms of heaven and hell.

My mom wanted desperately to help me, so she brought me home. But in my broken state, I tried to steal her car and ran her over, breaking her ribs. Once again, I landed myself in prison.

Rock Bottom and Healing

My mental health had deteriorated so badly that I spent a year in a suicide cell to keep from harming myself or others. Then, one day, I received a letter of apology from my abuser. Something within me clicked, and I was normal again—just like that.

God healed me of the trauma that had bound me in psychosis for the past year. I was finally able to begin the journey of healing.

A New Purpose

Inside prison, I completed a bootcamp in a leadership position. Afterward, I came to Hope is Alive and became a house manager. Since then, I’ve been able to use my story to help other women dealing with the same kind of trauma.

I eventually joined the staff at Hope is Alive, and now I get to pour life and Jesus into women every day.

Vision Fulfilled

The vision God showed me 15 years ago has been made true in my life—thanks to God and Hope is Alive.

Helpless, Homeless, and Hopeless | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

This story is from Jackie Matlock, who currently works as an intern for Hope is Alive and recently celebrated 14 months of continuous sobriety.

A Chaotic Beginning

Helpless. Homeless. Hopeless. That may be how part of my story started; however, that is not how this book of my life will end.

The early years of my life can be summed up in one word: chaotic. Physical, psychological, and sexual abuse caused PTSD, and I quickly developed a distortion of reality. Escaping reality seemed vital—it felt like the only way to survive.

I experienced what it was to be blackout drunk for the first time at the age of six and began smoking marijuana at the age of twelve. By fifteen, I tried my first hard drug. At that point, I had begun to write my own story.

Even though I had been told using drugs was wrong, it felt right. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

The Depths of Addiction

As the years went on, I was confident my addiction would kill me—and I was okay with that.

John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Surrendering to Life

When I walked through the doors of Hope is Alive, I surrendered. I wanted life. But how could someone like me have a good, normal, and full life?

Romans 3:24 says, “All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” What an amazing concept.

As I allowed grace to fill my life, I began to understand that God had a plan for me. Jeremiah 29:11 promises, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt something I had not felt in years—hope. Hope for a better future than I could have ever imagined.

Living with Hope

Today, life brings daily challenges, but I can face them with hope. I still encounter adversity every day, but with the help of Hope is Alive, trusted leaders, and mentors, I have begun to live out God’s calling for my life.

For the first time in a long time, hope is alive in my life.