Renewal Story: Deedra

 For 10 years, Deedra was stuck in a cycle of addiction, homelessness, recovery and relapse. “I felt really hopeless,” she says. “I attempted suicide. I went to the hospital and I thought, ‘I’m still alive. I’ve got to change my life. I’ve got to change the way I’m doing everything.’”

Deedra knew she couldn’t do it on her own. She had been to Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County before ... but this time, she was determined to move forward. The deciding factor in Deedra’s recovery was turning her life over to God.

“I was baptized, and that was a beautiful event! Now I don’t make any decisions without going to God first,” Deedra tells us. “I know that Jesus is with me, that I am precious to Him. That has given me a whole new way to look at myself.”

When Deedra looks at herself today, she sees a woman who respects herself and has strong values. “I feel successful. I went from having nothing, not even the will to live, to having a job, a safe home to live in, a place to celebrate my God. I couldn’t ask for more than that,” she says gratefully.

“I have everything in front of me to enjoy my life. I have joy that comes from within. I’m ready for the next chapter. I don’t know where I would be without UGM-TC. I’m very blessed.”

When we asked Deedra to share her story she said, “This is the first time someone looked at me as a success. I tell the story, but God gets the glory!”