Listen to this article
Growing up in a household marred by addiction and abuse, I often felt like I was drowning in darkness. Yet, through the grace of God and the compassionate outreach of The Salvation Army, I found a glimmer of hope that eventually transformed my life.
My childhood was filled with challenges no child should ever endure. Raised in a family of nine, my siblings and I faced unimaginable hardships due to our parents’ struggles with addiction. As the youngest, I bore the brunt of abuse in its various forms, leaving scars that would linger for years to come.
Fast forward to 1986, as a mother of three and the spouse of a U.S. Marine, I grappled with the harsh realities of financial instability. Despite my husband’s tireless work ethic, we struggled to make ends meet, especially during the holiday season when the pressure to provide for our children weighed heavily on my shoulders.
For me, Christmas approached like an ominous cloud, casting a shadow. Memories of my own childhood Christmases, devoid of joy and abundance, haunted me. I felt like a failure as a mother, overwhelmed by the inability to fulfill my children’s expectations.
In desperation, I turned to prayer, a concept I had only grasped in its simplest form. With tear-stained cheeks, I poured out my heart to a God I scarcely knew, pleading for guidance and solace in the face of adversity. Little did I know my prayers would soon be answered.
On this journey, we are never alone.
Billie Lawson
The very next day, someone from The Salvation Army walked into the 7-Eleven where I worked and asked if I knew anyone who needed a Christmas tree. I humbly admitted I did and she gave me a slip of paper with an address on it. When I arrived there, I received not only a tree for my family but toys and even food for that Christmas.
Through The Salvation Army’s outreach, I experienced firsthand the power of unconditional love and support, igniting a new sense of hope within me.
As the holiday unfolded, infused with simplicity and gratitude, I realized true joy transcends material possessions. The gifts we received were not just tangible items but symbols of God’s unwavering presence in our lives, a reminder that he hears our prayers and answers them in unexpected ways.
My journey with The Salvation Army did not end with that Christmas miracle; it was only the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life. Years later, I found myself drawn to the organization, compelled to pay forward the compassion and support that had once been extended to me.
I joined The Salvation Army as an employee and started a journey of healing and redemption. Surrounded by mentors and colleagues who exemplified the organization’s ethos of service and compassion, I found solace in ministering to others facing similar struggles.
Through The Salvation Army’s many outreach programs, I witnessed firsthand the impact of small acts of kindness on individuals and families in need. Each interaction served as a reminder of God’s boundless love and the transformative power of faith.
Hear Billie Lawson share her story in The Do Gooders Podcast Episode 166 An answered Christmas prayer that changed a life.
Today, as I reflect on where I’ve been and where I am now, I’m filled with gratitude for The Salvation Army and the role it has played in shaping my life. What began as a moment of despair has blossomed into a life of faith, purpose and service.
My message to those facing hardship is simple: Never give up hope. In moments of darkness, turn to prayer and trust that God’s grace will guide you through. And if you find yourself needing support, reach out to organizations like The Salvation Army, where love and compassion await with open arms.
As I continue my journey with The Salvation Army, I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: “I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
We all have the power to touch lives, uplift spirits and spread God’s love to those in need. So let us embrace a spirit of love, compassion and giving each day. And may we never forget that in serving others, we are serving God himself.
I echo the sentiments of a Salvation Army officer, whose words continue to resonate with me: “Worry about nothing and pray about everything.”
On this journey, we are never alone.
Do Good:
- It’s because of people like you The Salvation Army can serve more than 24 million Americans in need each year. Your gift helps fight for good all year in your community. It’s an effort to build well-being for all of us, so together we rise—and that good starts with you. Give to spread hope with a donation of funds, goods or time today.
Download this page as a PDF
