One Woman's Inspiring Testimony of Addiction Recovery
Hello! Could you please tell us your name and where you’re from?
Hi! I'm Mariah Freeman and I am from upstate New York but now live in southern VA.
We met through a Facebook group and I instantly connected with you on account of your story. Could you touch on that for us?
Yes! So blessed to bump into you there:) I am very open about my story, so sharing with the group was really fulfilling for me. So glad you stopped to listen and then we connected shortly after that.
You call yourself a “free woman”, could you touch on that for us?
Yes... this "brand name" sort of came about because I married a "Freeman" lol. And I was praying about a name for my business-and it just hit me! I am a Freeman, but I am ALSO a Free Woman! Free in every aspect of the name... literally I am FREE from addiction, mental illness, eating disorder, self-mutilation, rage and more. I am also FREE in Christ... no longer a slave to sin. I am FREE to be who God created me to be.
The very root cause of a deep addiction problem is not knowing who we are... we are confused about our identity... we believe the lie that we are worthless, empty, unlovable, and rejected. And so we act that out.
But, what if we could fully embrace our identity as sons and daughters of Jesus? We would realize we are FREE indeed and we would walk that out.
I am a FREE woman who helps others find that same freedom.
I love that SO much!
You published a book entitled, “From Heroin to Heaven,” I can’t wait to read it! Would you say this book is for everyone, or specifically for people who have struggled with addiction?
I published it in 2015! I can't wait to send you a signed copy :) [Leah here, yes please!]
I would say this book is for anyone with a life-controlling issue or has a loved one that struggles with that. Anyone and everyone could certainly be encouraged by this book and be shown the power of God!
Well, around here we certainly get that!
You’re a natural health educator and wellness coach, can you share with us how this helped you in overcoming your addiction?
I believe God's creation is powerful... I believe He gave us plants in the earth for our healing and benefit.
Addiction is a multi-faceted issue... we cannot just look at the addiction and mask it with pharmaceuticals or a trip to a rehab. We must look at the whole person... mind, body and soul.
Who are they? What was their childhood like? Do they have any nutrient deficiencies that could be causing their anxiety? How are they communicating with other people? We must address the root cause of addiction- it is a spiritual problem with emotional and mental darkness being the main cause of it!
Turning away from the modern medicine of treating disease with pharmaceuticals and turning to God and His creation has given me wisdom and helped me overcome so much!
Our Creator knows what we need even before we ask him... He is the One who has the answers.
On top of all that, you’re also an entrepreneur and have a small business called “Freemans and Frankincense”. Can you tell us more about that?
Yup! This is my wellness business... I help others get on the right track with their spiritual health with my book ministry, so why not add physical and emotional health to my "ministry?" I just love seeing people walk out the life God has for them... and that is incredibly hard to do when we are feeling sick and stuck.
My business's mission statement is: "Serving others with wisdom and compassion those seeking to better their physical, mental and emotional well-being."
And that's just it- I am here for those who are seeking help. When you contact me with health issues, I will offer my thoughts. I am not a doctor or in any way someone who diagnoses, treats or prevents diseases though. I am here to help empower people to be their own health advocate. I offer a wide range of supplements/oils and nontoxic household products like cleaners and even makeup🙂
So, so awesome. Is there anything else you do?
Yes, I am a momma to two sweet babies aged 2 and 4... pray for me! LOL
I run the household, so everything that entails like cleaning, changing diapers, and I love making healthy meals for my husband and children.
I also work for the president of the largest christian rehab in the world, Teen Challenge. I do administrative work for him at home on my computer.
With my book ministry, I go into the jail here and preach to the women as well. I have a very full life!
Goodness! How do you find the time?!
I honestly don't know. I have a type-A personality and am a hard worker... I feel very satisfied by living a purposeful life and keeping busy. The downside to that is I have trouble relaxing and NOT doing anything... but we're all works in progress, right? By God's grace He gives me the passion and desire to help people and by His grace He carries me through.
If you don’t mind chatting about your past, were you married and did you have children while you were battling your addiction?
I was never married. I would have had a baby at age seventeen, but I had an abortion instead.
I have been through so much torment about that but God has forgiven me. He even told me He was watching my baby for me and that the baby would be there waiting for me in heaven.
[Leah here, if you have been through abortion and are carrying guilt from one, I want you to take that statement above for yourself and hold it in your heart.]
What’s the worst thing well-meaning friends and family members did for you?
Enabled me. Given me money or a place to crash but not giving me an ultimatum or a stipulation to staying there.
What’s the best thing friends and family members did for you?
The best thing they did was to let me go. Honestly. Once I had nothing left it was time to finally surrender.
Also praying for me and giving me information on rehabs, or talking to me about the forgiveness and love of Jesus.
Most of the women reading this have spouses or children who are struggling with addiction, what would be your advice to them?
I would say to them to love them from a distance... in order to keep your peace and sanity you must do what needs to be done. That looks different for everyone but you'll know what it is. Pray and ask God to give you wisdom on your specific situation, He alone is the answer!
If anyone reading this would like to reach out to you about their family members, or to refer family members for support, where is the best place to reach out to you?
Facebook Messenger is a great place to reach me: https://www.facebook.com/officialfreewoman
My video/email series: https://mailchi.mp/30fad9ab4724/nolongeraslave
Or Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mariah.noelle.freewoman/
What should they expect from working with you?
They should expect an honest person who is not going to sugarcoat anything. I love helping anyone who wants to help themselves or their loved ones. But I cannot do the work for the person... they must be willing to make any change necessary and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
I always point people to God, spoiler alert- that is what I will absolutely recommend to you FIRST and foremost if you contact me with questions and concerns.
I would love to hear from anyone that feels led to reach out! I have made so many amazing friendships through doing this.
Any last recommendations or words of encouragement for us?
For NOTHING is impossible with God! Luke 1:37 Keep believing... keep hoping for restoration and redemption... keep praying! God is able.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart!
Thank YOU Leah! I love the work you do... so inspiring and encouraging. I can see so much good fruit from what you're doing. Keep it up.
We fight this addiction war together, amen? All hands on deck. Love you!
Love you too, Mariah! You’re making a legacy impact all around you and I’m so happy our paths crossed.
