Episode Summary: 

I talk with Tonie Camacho who lost a parent early in life, lived with a mentally ill mother, was sexually abused, raped and left for dead. She turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. After her third DWI, and time in jail, God saved her. She learned that you are never too lost for God to find you. Sobriety is a daily struggle. But Tonie learned that the storm doesn’t last forever and God is on the other side with His hand open.

If you or a loved one struggle with alcoholism and addiction, you’ll want to listen to this hope-filled perspective.

Quotables from the episode:

• You are never too lost for God to save you.
• My saving grace was when God showed me He truly was willing to leave the 99 to save me.
• Addiction is about control and requires surrendering to God for control.
• I maintain my sobriety because God saved me and drinking again would be thumbing my nose at God.
• The storm doesn’t last forever. God is on the other side with His hand open.
• God was with her the whole time. All she had to do was turn around.

Scripture References:

• Psalm 5:10 NKJV “Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a new spirit in me.”
• Psalms 27:1 NKJV “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I be afraid?”

Recommended Resources:

• Dolores Like the River by Laura Padgett
• Hope from a Recovering Adult Child of Alcoholic Parents – Episode 76
• Never Too Broken to be Restored
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1
• YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide 
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• How To Help a Depressed Loved One free eBook

Social Media Links for Host:

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Tonie Camacho is a 53-year old woman in recovery from alcoholism; drinking since the age of 14. She was sexually abused as a child, raped at age 24 and left for dead. Today she is a new woman with a thirst for life and the Lord. She believes that with God all things are possible.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.