Fierce: Overcoming Addiction, Self Harm, Depression, and Domestic Violence

By Lisa Adams

"When a woman is strong in spirit, there is nothing she can't accomplish."

One FIERCE Lady,

Lisa 

This book will touch your heart and prayerfully expose and heal some areas you thought were too painful to deal with.

Beginning with who these women are, wh

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Oct 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647734930

Book preview

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FIERCE

our testimonies are fierce

and meant to be shared

One FIERCE Lady

Trilogy Christian Publishers

TUSTIN, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2020 by Lisa Adams

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotations are taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-64773-442-8

ISBN 978-1-64773-443-5 (ebook)

Contents

Dedications v

Foreword vii

A Letter From Pastors xi

Acknowledgements xv

Introduction xix

Why FIERCE? xxiii

Poem xxiv

The Purpose of This Book xxv

Thirst 1

Why This Book is Needed 5

Why I Do What I Do 10

The Process 13

Distracted 15

Where Do I Go from Here? 20

Qualified? Choosing to be Transparent 23

Facing the Truth 29

Forgiveness 45

Freedom and Liberation 55

Mindset/Calling 63

Describe Yourself 68

Wander Woman 71

A Heavenly Visit 79

Ministry 82

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 88

Married to the Devil 98

Relationships 107

Big Daddy Ray 112

Mom 123

Loss of a Loved One 129

His Embrace 142

Birth and Children 147

I Am Not a Diagnosis 155

Dear Younger Me 163

Addiction 177

Addiction, Violence, Recovery, & a Little Girl’s

Prayer 182

Anxiety and Depression 196

A Daughter’s Anxiety and Depression 200

Self-Harm 208

Suicide Attempts 216

Religion Hurt Me 227

Religion Hurt Me Too 233

Walls—It Might Just Take a Team 244

In Closing 249

National Hotlines 253

Journaling Notes 255

Dedications

I would like to dedicate this book to my children, my grandchildren, and my generations to come. I pray that your faith sustains you and may you know that I have left for you a legacy of faith. I have continued to pray for you all. Even if you did not want me to. I love you all more than you could ever know.

I also dedicate this book to anyone who is feeling like they are broken and alone. May you feel His love and be strengthened along this journey of life by the Word of God and by your personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

Thank you for taking the time to read this book of healing through shared testimonies. May you be inspired to embrace His healing presence in all of life’s storms.

Foreword

Lisa has been a tremendous sister in the kingdom to me. I have known her for over ten years and her genuine, authentic passion for God and for others grows like a palm tree. She demonstrates true servanthood in her desire to just be there whenever there is a need. This book is not only one of the greatest books I have read, but it is her real, raw life experiences of how God manifested His power, love, greatness, protection, healing, and presence through every victorious battle. I hope you get the chance to not only read with blessed eyes but, hear with blessed ears the reenactment when she narrates her story.

One day sitting in my home, she opens this binder that I thought was her jewelry collection. As she humbly asks if it is alright to read, and turns the leaves of each page, I could hear, I could feel, I journeyed with her through the valley of the shadow of death in my own experiences. And for the first time knowing that this anointed woman had been through a few things, but without fear, unafraid, unashamed because the Lord God Almighty was always there (let God arise and let His enemies be scattered) and showed Himself strong and covenant-keeping.

Congratulations and thank you, Lisa, for sharing this book with me while it was still in your womb. My first opinion was what an excellent women’s ministry tool…no, I was wrong, this testimony, this treasure, this wonderful writing will minister to every creed. My prayer is for this book to reach and be published in many nations. May every reader understand and realize that in our flagship moments (the peaks, the pits, and the transitions), we focus not on the battle, but the results.

Apostle Paul says,

What then [does it matter]? So long as in every way, whether in pretense [for self-promotion] or in all honesty [to spread the truth], Christ is being preached; and in this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice [later as well], for I know [with confidence] that this will turn out for my deliverance and spiritual well-being, through your prayers and the [superabundant] supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ [which upholds me]. It is my own eager expectation and hope, that [looking toward the future] I will not disgrace myself nor be ashamed in anything, but that with courage and the utmost freedom of speech, even now as always, Christ will be magnified and exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:18-20 (AMP)

In closing, I am reminded of the passage in Psalm 23:5-6 (AMP),

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

Fear, oppression, depression, sickness and disease, suicide, addiction, domestic- violence, sexual assault, self-harm, low self-esteem, and church hurt no longer have a hold on us.

~ Cheryl Hawkins

Minister of Music

A Letter From Pastors

As Sr. Pastors and spiritual parents to many, our spirits are always lifted when we hear our children walk in truth. Lisa Adams is an individual that exemplifies that statement. From the time that Lisa and her family connected with Gwen and I, and the ministries of Church Without Walls in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, her faithfulness and loyalty to the Kingdom of God, our church and other relationships have been unswerving.

Through the years, we have had the privilege of watching her grow as a woman, mother, and spiritual daughter. We are honored to say, you will not find a more loving, caring, and compassionate soul on this planet. We have witnessed firsthand and are proud that she has become a doer of the Word and not a forgetful hearer. She has learned to use her faith purposefully and is now seen as one who possesses victorious, overcoming faith.

Because of her deep appreciation and thankfulness to God for His forgiveness, mercy, and healing in her own life, Lisa is driven to reach everyone she can with the message of hope. She has a relentless drive to do unto others and help those who are many times forgotten, overlooked, or neglected. Her own experience with God has helped her personally understand the power of relationship and to become established in the righteousness that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

As Lisa looked for ways to expand her ministry, sphere of influence, and to reach more people with the love of God and the message, You are not alone, she was inspired to write this book of short stories and testimonies. These divine testimonies of inner healing, physical healing, and delivering power are taken from the script of her life. The script, though finished before the foundations of the world, is still being written as Lisa continues her journey and encounters more and more people, just like you.

The challenges, disappointments, dreams dashed, and testimonies of dreams fulfilled are all met via the vehicle of a life lived and faith expressed. The following collection of stories taken from a few of Lisa’s life experiences are sure to minister life, hope, healing, joy, and even overcoming faith.

We are immensely proud of Lisa as she walks by faith and daily resumes her pursuit of God. I often say, A man with a testimony is never at the mercy of a man with an argument. Maybe some of these snippets taken from real-life experiences will help you gain the upper hand in one of your life’s arguments.

Maybe, just maybe this will be the way you encounter Lisa, her faith, and her God. It is our prayer that one or more of these testimonies will begin, add to, or complete a work in you, resulting in your very own testimony of overcoming faith and healing.

Enjoy!

Philip and Gwen Thornton

Sr. Pastors of Legacy Faith Church

104 Roberts Valley Rd.

Harrisburg, PA 17110

Acknowledgements

Father God, thank you does not quite hit the mark with what you have done for me. It just does not seem adequate to express the gratitude in which I have for You or the sacrifice that You have made on my behalf through Your Son, Jesus Christ. However, I thank You and come to You with a grateful heart.

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Philippians 4:4-7 (AMP)

To my husband Ray, for supporting the vision of this book and understanding the call on our lives. Thank you for encouraging me even when life’s storms were swirling around us.

Thank you to all the ladies who have shared their journey of healing openly in this book with the hope that others will receive healing and draw closer to God once again.

Thank you to my spiritual parents, Apostle Dr. Philip Thornton, and Pastor Gwen Thornton, for taking the time to teach and equip me with the Word of God and especially for not sugar-coating it. Facts are subject to change but, truth is eternal. ~ Apostle Dr. Thornton.

Thank you to my children and grandchildren for just being you. God has a plan and a purpose for each of you.

Thank you to my sweet friend Carol for sowing her time and gifts to type this book amidst all the different hats she wears. You totally rock.

Thank you to my dear sweet friend, Elaine Bish of White Deer Photography, for your willingness, ability, and your gifting. You are an amazing photographer may your photography business continuously prosper.

Thank you to my fellow Wordsmiths group for your encouragement and prayers.

Thank you to everyone who sowed a financial seed into this project.

Thank you most of all for your prayers and encouragement. I love and appreciate you all.

Introduction

Congratulations! By picking up this book you are joining some amazing women on a journey of revealing and healing.

The topics shared in this book will touch your heart and prayerfully expose and heal some areas you thought were too painful to deal with.

Beginning with who these women are, what happened in their lives—despair, violence, illness, death, marriage, pain, healing, spiritual awakening—and the strength to get up and move on to live healthy lives.

How, with the power of forgiveness and with all that has happened in their lives, they are willing to share so others who are still battling can find the strength, encouragement, and inspiration to begin their own journey knowing they are not alone, and this is why the book is needed.

I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord God [and in His strength]; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

Psalm 71:16 (AMP)

*Disclaimer*

It is my belief that everyone should read this book. Perhaps you have never faced any of the circumstances that are shared in the pages that follow. So then why? Simply because at some point in your life if it has not happened to you, it may have happened to someone you know and/or care about. This book is not meant as a gossiping tool; this book is to reveal, to inspire, and to help heal.

By reading this book that openly discusses personal battles and triumphs I pray that any storm, heartache, or tragedy that you may have encountered in your personal life be healed. Please be aware that many personal abuse situations are openly shared, so if you do not feel comfortable continuing to read on, I pray that you at least understand the importance of the overcomers’ testimony and how we have found healing in Christ Jesus.

I pray that you read this book with an open heart. I pray that you are encouraged and allow the Holy Spirit to heal areas in your heart you have hidden away or even areas that you feel have power over you.

O my love, you are altogether beautiful and fair. There is no flaw nor blemish in you!

Song of Solomon 4:7 (AMP)

*The names in this book have been changed to protect the innocent.*

*I chose the Amplified version of the Bible to give more detail to the reader.*

Why FIERCE?

Fierce: Having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness.

This definition is taken from the Oxford dictionary.

To be Fierce in one’s testimony is a good thing.

Bottom Line: Aggressiveness is what is required by peacemakers not peacekeepers and that takes a fierceness. What good is a FIERCE testimony if we do not share it?

Our testimonies are FIERCE and meant to be shared.

Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 (AMP)

It takes one to know one.

When a woman is strong in spirit, she knows she can accomplish whatever it takes to rise above her circumstances.

~ Lisa A., One FIERCE Lady

Poem

I may look strong,

I may act tough,

But the woman who stands before you has had enough.

Your words can cut, and your violence can bruise,

But the woman who stands before you is tired of being used.

I stand here proud to speak out loud against the hurt,

Because my spirit has been strengthened by the God I serve.

You thought I would not rise again,

You were wrong.

You thought I would not answer the call on my life,

You were wrong.

Not by my strength,

Yet by my Faith,

My God has made me strong.

~ Lisa A., One FIERCE Lady

The Purpose of This Book

The purpose of this book is that it is meant to inspire, reveal, and heal.

To encourage individuals from all walks of life that you are not alone, and that the book is to be used as a tool to help in the healing process.

To expose those ugly things that try to hinder us from complete forgiveness, healing, and wholeness.

If only one person should receive healing from the shared life experiences in this book, then Praise God because you are worthy.

This reminds me of the parable of the lost sheep,

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?

Matthew 18:12 (AMP)

He loves all of us this much, so much that what the enemy planned for evil, God has turned around for good.

Like the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and is now prosperous and able to forgive and be a blessing during a great famine to the very individuals that sold him into slavery.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day].

Genesis 50:20 (AMP)

Have you ever heard someone say, Anything hidden in darkness has power over you? I have heard it many times and at first, I thought it was some form of Christian-ease. It is not, as His children and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus, we are the light of this world because Christ is in us.

You are the light of