Day 26: Nicole Musso
Romans 12:2
“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.”
~
It started as “Dry July”. I thought I could just leave it at that, and move on, never ever having to say the words out loud to anyone or even myself. I danced around it for a few months, hoping everyone would be able to read between the lines and I wouldn’t have to actually say it.
The Bible tells us that “they triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:21); and there is so much power in the words we speak over our lives. So here it goes...
I was an alcoholic! But by the grace of God, that’s not my name anymore!
I didn’t look like what I had envisioned “that type of person” to be. And most in my circle would agree. I was just a normal mom that enjoyed a glass of wine or two with dinner and some spicy margaritas on the weekend. I would drink more at parties and holidays and special occasions just like I thought “everyone else did”. I justified it because I thought it was normal. But the truth is, drinking was negatively impacting so many areas of my life, while not adding ANY value to it at all.
On June 28, 2023, I woke up with a deep conviction from the Lord to STOP, so I did just that. I didn’t know what it was going to look like, nor how much I would actually miss something I truly enjoyed so much. But I stepped out in obedience- and stopped!
It’s now over 6 months that I’ve been alcohol-free, and the truth of the matter is, you never really see how negatively something was impacting your life, until you walk in freedom from it. It was a habit that did not align with the vision I had for this life of mine or the purpose I was created for.
Alcohol was truly stewarding NOTHING well… my marriage, my babies, my finances, my relationships, my body, my health… it provided them ZERO BENEFIT! I did not like the incredibly fragile me I became after a few drinks. Everything hurt my feelings. I questioned my worth. And I found myself returning to behaviors and versions of me that the Lord had already freed me from. I was putting my own self back in bondage.
So on that June morning, I woke up and said “I am NEVER drinking again” and this time I put my full weight of determination with God into it. . And in doing so, it unlocked the next level of freedom for my life. And I can’t help but shout “just look what the Lord has done”!
~
"Father God. I praise Your name for saving me from myself. Thank you for revealing the problem before it spiraled completely out of control. For all struggling with addiction of any kind, I pray that they come to know that there is freedom in the name of Jesus. You are a God that redeems and restores our stories. You give beauty for ashes. You are El Shaddai, the God Almighty, no circumstance is too far gone for You to fix and NOTHING is impossible for You."
“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.”
~
It started as “Dry July”. I thought I could just leave it at that, and move on, never ever having to say the words out loud to anyone or even myself. I danced around it for a few months, hoping everyone would be able to read between the lines and I wouldn’t have to actually say it.
The Bible tells us that “they triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:21); and there is so much power in the words we speak over our lives. So here it goes...
I was an alcoholic! But by the grace of God, that’s not my name anymore!
I didn’t look like what I had envisioned “that type of person” to be. And most in my circle would agree. I was just a normal mom that enjoyed a glass of wine or two with dinner and some spicy margaritas on the weekend. I would drink more at parties and holidays and special occasions just like I thought “everyone else did”. I justified it because I thought it was normal. But the truth is, drinking was negatively impacting so many areas of my life, while not adding ANY value to it at all.
On June 28, 2023, I woke up with a deep conviction from the Lord to STOP, so I did just that. I didn’t know what it was going to look like, nor how much I would actually miss something I truly enjoyed so much. But I stepped out in obedience- and stopped!
It’s now over 6 months that I’ve been alcohol-free, and the truth of the matter is, you never really see how negatively something was impacting your life, until you walk in freedom from it. It was a habit that did not align with the vision I had for this life of mine or the purpose I was created for.
Alcohol was truly stewarding NOTHING well… my marriage, my babies, my finances, my relationships, my body, my health… it provided them ZERO BENEFIT! I did not like the incredibly fragile me I became after a few drinks. Everything hurt my feelings. I questioned my worth. And I found myself returning to behaviors and versions of me that the Lord had already freed me from. I was putting my own self back in bondage.
So on that June morning, I woke up and said “I am NEVER drinking again” and this time I put my full weight of determination with God into it. . And in doing so, it unlocked the next level of freedom for my life. And I can’t help but shout “just look what the Lord has done”!
~
"Father God. I praise Your name for saving me from myself. Thank you for revealing the problem before it spiraled completely out of control. For all struggling with addiction of any kind, I pray that they come to know that there is freedom in the name of Jesus. You are a God that redeems and restores our stories. You give beauty for ashes. You are El Shaddai, the God Almighty, no circumstance is too far gone for You to fix and NOTHING is impossible for You."
Posted in Boast in the Lord \'24 pt2
1 Comment
Congratulations on your newfound freedom from alcohol Nicole. On February 20, I too will be 6 months sober. God is good!!!
Last Sunday, before Pastor James started the Business Meeting I had to run to the ladies room. On my return Casiddy was standing right outside the ladies room door. (I'd already connected with Cassidy a couple of times...she has been a strong female voice in round room meetings and I was completely BLOWN AWAY at her baptism!!! ). I'd been looking to connect with her again to share thoughts of perhaps starting 'some sort' of recovery program at Grace Chapel. I am an active member of AA and have a sponsor and I am looking for a more solid Christian response to addiction. Ironically, she responded, "so have I!!!"
Well, if you were at the business meeting you are aware that first Michael spoke of one-on-one mentoring "from one addict to another", followed by Cassidy sharing about Celebrate Recovery. So, it seems the seed has been planted. Wouldn't it be fantastic to have a group of believers who could gather in the safety of Grace Chapel to meet and to heal!
Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. May God bless you richly!
In Him, Loriel