“Three Weeks to Forgiveness: God’s Redemption in the Dark Places of Addiction”

Addiction is increasingly prevalent in our society. It seems most people have been affected by alcohol or drug addiction in some way. Many of us have loved ones who have been trapped by the claws of addiction, and lots of us are parenting children who have been wounded by its destructive impact. Parental addiction is a huge cause of childhood trauma and a leading reason children end up in the foster care system.

Because of my own experiences, the topic of parental addiction and its impact on children is near and dear to my heart. When I was given the opportunity to be on the launch team for Kimberly Dewberry’s book Three Weeks to Forgiveness: God’s Redemption in the Dark Places of Addiction, I knew I couldn’t turn it down.

The title drew me in right away.

I personally know how addiction truly is a dark place, both for those addicted and for those close to them. God’s light, redemption, and forgiveness are the keys to freedom from that darkness.

Kimberly Dewberry is an adult child of an alcoholic, and as is common to most children of addicts, the impact of addiction on her life ran deep. Her newest book, Three Weeks to Forgiveness is a heart-wrenchingly raw and vulnerable depiction of the pain, loss, chaos, and confusion caused by addiction. Dewberry accurately portrays the life-long struggles that so often impact both the addict and their children. She vulnerably exposes the lies, shame, and guilt that are imprinted in the minds of the children of alcoholics/addicts, trapping them and keeping them stuck in their own unhealthy patterns.

“I blamed myself for almost everything negative that happened in my life and in the lives of others”–Kimberly Dewberry

This type of self-blame is incredibly common in children of addicts, impacting their view of themselves, others, and even of God.

“I reisited God’s best for me because I thought I wasn’t worthy of love from anyone, especially from God.” –Kimberly Dewberry

Dewberry does not only share her dark experiences and the destruction of addiction. More importantly, she graciously conveys her journey to forgiveness, hope, and freedom that can be found only in surrender to Jesus Christ.

After a long estrangement from her dad, God in his sovereignty orchestrated a plan to bring Dewberry’s father to her home for the last three weeks of his life. This three-week period proved to be life-changing as God masterfully worked to bring freedom through forgiveness. Forgiveness extended to her father, but also to herself.

There is power in sharing stories

Sharing stories invites others to see that they are not alone. Sharing our experiences and perspectives may offer encouragement and hope by showing others that light can be found at the end of their dark tunnel. This is what Dewberry has accomplished in her book. Courageously, she shares the dark moments and the pain, yet highlights the redemption and forgiveness found in Jesus…her way out of the darkness and into the light.

If you have struggled with addiction yourself, are the family member of someone who is trapped by addiction, or parenting a child impacted by parental addiction, Kimberly Dewberry’s story will touch the depths of your soul. I connected with so much in this book, shedding tears on multiple occasions. I empathized as she shared the pain, shame, and guilt, but was also given renewed hope through her depiction of the power of God to redeem us in our most broken places.

If you know people who are affected by addiction in any way, this book will open your eyes and help you to gain understanding and compassion for those who are impacted by addiction.

You can read about Kimberly Dewberry and learn more about Three Weeks to Forgiveness, God’s Redemption in the Dark Places of Addiction as well as her other book Transforming Normal, a Devotional for the 12 Steps of Recovery at her website: https://www.threeweekstoforgiveness.com/

*I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher; this is my honest, heartfelt opinion

♥Lindsey