Blog

God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Thursday, January 21, 2021 by Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers

In Sharon’s previous story, she related how God healed her from the trauma of domestic violence and divorce.

My son Terry got into drinking and drugs in high school. I tried to get real strict but that didn’t work. I tried to get help from school without success. I tried everything I could think of. Finally, he quit high school and went into the navy when he was barely 17, hooked on alcohol and drugs. I felt like I saw him dying.

Then I went to a Bible conference where the Word began to open up to me and I received Christ. Finally, I had hope. After 12 years living away from my El Paso home, I returned to start a master’s degree program, still excited about my salvation experience. I read and memorized the Word and went to meetings. As I healed and grew in the Lord, I thought, Oh good, I’m changing and surely now Terry can change too.

But it didn’t happen.

Terry got out of the Navy, came back to El Paso, went to church and received Christ. He was very ill from valley fever, so I needed medical insurance. I dropped my graduate studies and began teaching fulltime. We lived with my mother, and unfortunately my mother and I were not united. Terry got over valley fever, but not over drugging and drinking. He supported his habit by stealing. I slept with my purse under my pillow. I tried to convince my mother to back me up with consequences for his behavior, but she felt sorry for him and gave in to him. Finally, I moved out.

Terry went to jail for forging a check.

My mother developed Alzheimer’s Disease so I moved back in with her. And God warned me that I was going to go through a very difficult time, but He would be with me.

Terry got out of prison and returned to his old ways. By this time, my mother was weaker, so I could practice tough love. I got a restraining order to get Terry out of the house and he lived on the streets for two or three months. Then one day he knocked on the door, dirty and disheveled, and said he wanted help.

I said, “You can come in if you promise to go to Lester Roleff’s ministry in Corpus Christi.”

He said he’d go.

But when it came down to it, there was a huge battle. Finally, he went and spent a year in the program.

He did well there, but after he left, he slid back. He went to the university in Nacogdoches, married, and completed his degree. But alcoholism destroyed the marriage. The divorce about killed him. He loved Joyce, but he wasn’t able to let go of that bottle.

For eight years, he wandered from state to state.

He was in and out of prisons and hospitals; he went from relationship to relationship, job to job. He lived homeless on the streets, there were near-death incidents and emergencies… so many years of sorrow.

I got discouraged, but never gave up hope entirely. All this time I was praying and praying for my son. God immersed me in prayer situations – a group of ladies in my home, church prayer, city-wide prayer groups, regional and national groups… the people in these groups prayed over many things. But many of them had a heart for Terry, and faithfully they prayed for him, too.

In 2003, Terry suddenly came back to El Paso – very low, still battling alcoholism, and feeling despair for the wasted years. He started going to church with me, and his home group leaders took him under their wing.

Terry longed to be married and have a home

But he couldn’t because of his addiction. Then he met Ellen on an online Christian dating program. Ellen lives in the Philippines with her three daughters and her extended family. She speaks English and has worked long hours to help her family out of extreme poverty. Ellen gave Terry hope. They video-skyped, and I was concerned. I could tell Ellen was a special person. I didn’t want her to get hurt.

In 2004, when Terry was 50 years old, he qualified for a monthly VA disability check. He moved to the Philippines and married Ellen. He says God brought him there to buy the family food (they never had enough); to help them leave a cult and join a Christian church; to help two of Ellen’s daughters finish school, and to get Ellen’s parents out of the filthy, dangerous neighborhood where they lived.

The ancient songwriter said:

God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land” (Psalms 5:6).

Today’s Prayer

Terry asks for prayer that God will use him to help provide for this family that has struggled so long. This is also a good time to ask God to bring hope and healing to someone in your life whose situation seems hopeless.

Share This Blog:


Previous Posts

An Ode to Mother Goose: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/27/2024

Saving and Spending for Kids : insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2024

Money Lessons by Age: Teaching Kids Good Financial Habits
Becky Cerling Powers
1/19/2024

Countdown to Christmas: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/7/2023

How to Make Bone Broth Soup: a Thanksgiving Tip from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2023

A Toad and a Teachable Moment: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/26/2023

When Life Goes Up in Smoke: insights from the Bible Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
9/21/2023

How to Win Kids' Hearts by Telling Stories: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/3/2023

Lighten Up: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2023

Getting Ready for Teens When They're Toddlers: Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2023

Wet and Wild Water Fun: ideas from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/15/2023

Teaching Kids to Cook: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/24/2023

Dog in Pain: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2023

King Ben the Dog and Queen Vicky the Cat: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2023

Naming Grace: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/21/2023

Cancan: Mother's (& Father's) Day reflections from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings and Becky Cerling Powers
5/14/2023

Teaching a 10-Year-Old to Drive (and Related Lessons): from the Bible Powerline
Sue Cameron
4/24/2023

Losing Poetry: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2023

Figuring Out Fasting: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/26/2023

Anxiety List Prayer: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
1/8/2023

Dad's Problem Solution Method
Becky Cerling Powers with Bob Cerling
1/1/2023

Christmas Gift Exchange
Sue Cameron
12/13/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2022

Best Toys This Season are Simple: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/25/2022

Gimme a Little Kiss: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
11/5/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/1/2022

Surviving the Japanese Occupation: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2022

Are Parents Sculptors or Gardeners? Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/15/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/2/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2022

What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/30/2022

Figuring Out a Child's Learning Style: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/20/2022

Like the Wind: reflections on spiritual warfare
Laura Jane Eberhardt Cerling
8/12/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/1/2022

Enlighten the Eyes of my Heart: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/23/2022

Making Bible Milk: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/17/2022

The Interrogation of Divine Promise: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/10/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/2/2022

When Healing Hurts: reflections on spiritual warfare in pain
Becky Cerling Powers
6/15/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/1/2022

Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/19/2022

Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2022

Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/26/2022

Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/17/2022

Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2022

Rosebud's Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2022

New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/4/2022

Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2022

Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
Becky Cerling Powers
3/16/2022

A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/9/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/1/2022

Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/7/2022

Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/6/2022

Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2022

Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2022

Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2022

Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/27/2021

Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2021

Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/11/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2021

Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2021

Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/4/2021

Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/14/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2021

Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2021

The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/18/2021

Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/12/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2021

The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
Becky Cerling Powers
8/2/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2021

Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/28/2021

Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
7/22/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/1/2021

In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
David Melin as told to Becky Cerling Powers
6/16/2021

Why Smart Kids Can't All Read by Age 6: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2021

Being with Dad: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
6/9/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/31/2021

Home Style Secrets of Kids' Learning Success: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/24/2021

The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/18/2021

Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2021

Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2021

Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2021

Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2021

Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2021

Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/1/2021

Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/25/2021

Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2021

Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2021

Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/15/2021

The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/12/2021

Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
3/10/2021

Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021

The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021

Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
Becky Cerling Powers
2/28/2021

Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021

Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021

Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021

No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
2/14/2021

Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/10/2021

Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021

Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021

Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2021

Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2021

God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/21/2021

Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021

Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/5/2021

Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
1/2/2021

Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020

Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020

Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020

Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020

Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020

Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020

Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/9/2020

Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020

Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020

Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020

The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020

Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020

Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020

In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020

Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020

Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020

Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020

Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020

Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020

Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020

TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020

Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020

The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020

Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020

No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020

Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020

Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020

Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020

Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020

Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020

Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020

Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020

Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020

Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020

Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020

David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020

The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020

The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020

Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020

Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/31/2020

Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020

Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2020

Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020

No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020

DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020

A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/3/2020

My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/27/2020

My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/26/2020

My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/25/2020

Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
2/20/2020

Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/13/2020

Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020

Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020

How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020

Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020

All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020

One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020

Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019

The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019

Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019

Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019

Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019

First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019

Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019

Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019

The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019

Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019

Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019

The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019

Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019

My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019

Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019

How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019