A Story of Redemption

Roselyn E. Douglass

An addiction is the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. It not only takes over your life, but can possibly change the trajectory of your future. Even though it can feel hopeless at times, there is a light of redemption for anyone ready to accept it.

My name is Roselyn E. Douglass, I have been sober for fourteen years now. My journey has been a difficult one at times, but it is also why I can identify with so many others that are where I was, and it is also what pushes me to help others facing the same struggles. 

Growing up in Indiana during the height of the crack epidemic, I was faced with a lot of temptation. Despite being raised in a loving, two parent household with four older siblings, I fell prey to what I call my “Goliath”, crack cocaine. My battle with drug addiction lasted sixteen years, but with God’s continuous hand upon me, I was delivered from it.

My story is an open book. I share it to give hope to others because recovery is possible for anyone who is willing to put in the work to leading a clean and sober life. That is why I lay everything out in my debut book “Navigating Through My Storms”. This raw, uncut, and true account explores the storms I faced and how I navigated through them.

Sharing my truth is my ministry and how I stay connected to my community. Being involved in the very streets where I was once held captive to addiction is where I share God’s message of hope. My aspiration is to use my struggles and triumphs, along with my experiences to start a sober living home. The goal is to build a safe place for women and women with children who are on the road to sobriety. This safe space would allow residents the chance to feel empowered, to become independent and self-sufficient. It is my passion and what I believe is my life’s purpose. I am inspired  by one of my favorite Bible verses:

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but indeed and in truth.”
1 John 3: 17-18

I have been blessed with an amazing life. I have a loving husband, who I’ve known since kindergarten. Together we have six grown children and nine grandchildren. I want others to experience the joy and freedom from their addiction as I do now. There is hope to not just survive, but thrive in this thing called life!

My hope is that through my writing, ministry, and future sober living home, those I have the privilege to work with will reach the best versions of themselves.