Sometimes life is overwhelming – sickness, death, divorce, mental anguish,  … We have been through life’s tough times too and know you need something to help get you through.

Hangin’ on Faith is here to provide hope and encouragement during those times. We are reaching out to help in various ways.  On this website are stories from real people who may have gone through similar situations. Sometimes reading about how someone else has prevailed will give you the strength and encouragement to make it through too. Read our stories to gain hope for yourself or share with another.  Most storytellers are even available for contact for more personal help and sharing. 

 Knowing there is a way to make it through a difficult time may provide a ray of hope...  

Newsletter - July 2009

Upcoming events

If you live in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, please join us August 29th for the Asbury Go Now weekend to volunteer in our community.
Hangin' On Faith will participate by making visits to area assisted living facilities to record residents' stories of faith. To participate or for more information contact Della at drhasekamp@bellsouth.net

An Addict's Story

By John, Raleigh NC


My name is John and I'm a drug addict. For almost 25 years I was an active, using addict. Today I am a recovering addict and a Christ follower.
I was what some people call a "functional" addict. For 25 years I drank and used drugs on a daily basis while maintaining a career and a family. I used for many reasons. I used to celebrate and to mourn. I used when I was tired and when I wanted to calm down. I used all the time because that's what I did. Even when I acknowledged that my drug use (alcohol is a drug) was becoming a problem I continued to use. I thought I had to, I thought I couldn't quit.

Read the rest of John's story

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When we hear that word we most often think of people who have trouble with drugs or alcohol. In fact the featured story is about just that. But if you think about it, aren't we all addicts? Maybe you are addicted to the need for money and are willing to sacrifice anything to get a better paying job, or maybe its nicotine or caffeine. Some people have issues with food; either needing to eat too much, worrying about what to eat to lose weight or ensuring it is all healthy. Pride and covetousness - Oh my - they can rear their ugly heads in so many ways; wanting to get noticed, wanting to look the best, wanting to have another's talent or popularity. Fear and worry are addictions of many and what about the really powerful addictions of sexual lust and pornography.
Shall I go on?

When elaborating on how to interpret what the Ten Commandments really mean, Jesus basically redefined them in Mathew Chapter 5, where He said you should not allow your addictive thoughts to control actions or your life. The real problem is when our addictions result in harmful actions. Knowing several addicts who struggle with alcohol or drugs, I have seen how hard it is to kick the addiction, but at the same time, I know how it impacts family and friends. (Read this month's featured story.) Other addictions, if left unchecked, cause serious problems as well. For example, many addictions result in divorce, which causes not only the loss of a partner but perhaps children or even friends. Unfortunately, I believe we are all addicts in one way or another.


What are we to do? There is a great phrase people use: "Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes." What does the Bible say about all this? The following were all spoken by Jesus.

  • "Do not judge or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1
  • "Why do you look at the speck of saw dust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye." Matthew 7:3
  • "The second commandment is like it the first: Love your neighbor as yourself " Matthew 22:39


I am no better than you in this area. Not that I suffer from these issues but at any given moment, I struggle with pride, being judgmental, wanting more, wanting to be like someone else ... but during those times when I am wise and thinking correctly, I go back to the Word of God. We all need to stay connected to that divinely inspired book. Maybe you'll even find the perfect verse to memorize and use that helps you when you are tempted by addictions.

Kathy Wood

President and Founder, Hangin' on Faith Ministries.

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