Mission Makers
“Give God the right to direct your life, and He will pull it off perfectly.” These are the words of Heather Dotson, who shared her story of restoration at the recent Foundry Ministries’ 19th Annual Hearts of Hope Banquet. The event celebrates the journey of transformation women go through in the Foundry Ministries Women’s program.
Program Director Tawana Pendley explains, “There are two types of pain. The pain that leads to victory, which is the pain you experience while in recovery where you deal with hard topics. But there is also the pain of regret, staying in the pain of addiction…a lot of people don’t want to start it because you know it’s a painful process. But once you get through that pain there is victory on the other side of the pain. There is redemption. There is reuniting of your family. There are the things that you thought were forever lost that there is still hope for on the other side of the pain. Or you stay in the pain that leads to regret and that pain leaves you in that cycle of shame, guilt, and frustration that keeps you in that addiction.”
Dotson chose to face the pain. “I want to let people know that you don’t have to strive for the love of God because it’s unconditional. It’s not changing but we can change,” says Dotson who had spent years serving in ministry but “got on a cycle of just work, work, work and then a big life situation and I just hit a wall…I didn’t take time off and I found myself relaxing and using wine to do that.” The women’s program team shares, “It is about stepping out of those false identities and into the truth of who God says we are. In His light, the weight of shame, fear and failure is lifted, and a new path is revealed- a path of redemption, healing and purpose.” After graduating from the nine month program last year, Dotson chose to make Birmingham her home. “I bought a home here. I have a wonderful job and a great family system. I just can’t imagine Him pulling it off more perfectly.”
Volunteering where she found hope is a priority for Dotson. Each week she leads an evening Bible study for the women in the program as well as facilitating an early morning small group. “I want to encourage them,” she says adding that the volunteering helps keep her in a place of restoration as well. Learn more about the Foundry Ministries Women’s Program and other programs offered by the Foundry at www.foundryministries.com. †
Watch the video below to hear from Heather Dotson about how God used the Foundry Ministries women’s program to bring healing in her life and allow her to help others.
