10/24/2026
Sarah’s story, shared with Permission.
Sarah:
Some of you know my story. Some of you may be hearing parts of it for the very first time. 🤍
But one thing about me? I’ve never been afraid to tell it.
Brené Brown speaks about the courage it takes to own our stories, even the messy, painful, and imperfect parts. And I couldn’t agree more.
I believe in owning my story so it doesn’t own me.
On December 2, I’ll celebrate 23 YEARS CLEAN & SOBER! 🙌🏼
Twenty-three years of experiencing the faithfulness, mercy, and redeeming power of Jesus Christ.
My past includes addiction, arrests, and decisions that carried consequences long after I surrendered my life to Jesus.
But here’s what I know:
My past is part of my story. It is NOT my identity.
I am not defined by the sin that once held me captive. I am defined by Jesus Christ, who redeemed me, set me free, and made me NEW.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Years ago, during COVID, I felt the Holy Spirit impress upon my heart that it was my Year of Jubilee—a season of restoration, freedom, and debts being canceled.
At the time, I had absolutely no idea what God was going to do.
And then, in a way I NEVER could have orchestrated myself, God brought Eric Eisinger into my life through an unexpected friendship with his wonderful wife, Meghan.
Here’s the part that still blows my mind: I didn’t even know what Eric did for a living!
I had developed a genuine friendship with Meghan, and during dinner with their family, Eric unexpectedly offered to help me pursue having my conviction vacated.
I hadn’t asked him.
I didn’t even know he was an attorney.
And he offered to do it completely free of charge.
OK, WHAT?! 😭
Eric generously gave his time, knowledge, and legal expertise to help me navigate the process. He treated me with dignity, compassion, and respect every step of the way.
More than 20 years after I graduated from Benton County Adult Drug Court, I stood before a judge as my conviction was vacated.
The court granted me legal relief from a conviction that had followed me long after my life had changed.
I was overwhelmed.
ONLY GOD. 🤍
My past hadn’t been erased. The choices I made and the consequences I faced were still part of my story.
But the conviction was no longer standing against me in the same legal way.
And what made this experience even more extraordinary was that I hadn’t gone looking for it.
God had already impressed Jubilee upon my heart, and then He orchestrated something I never saw coming.
I believe in accountability. I believe in consequences. I believe in repentance, redemption, and second chances.
And I believe that the worst thing a person has ever done does not have to define who they become.
I don’t share my story to minimize my past or excuse my decisions.
I share it to magnify the goodness of God.
Because I know what Jesus has done for me.
And I refuse to spend my life hiding the very testimony that gives Him glory.
Eric, I am profoundly grateful for your generosity, integrity, and the kindness you showed me. You went above and beyond for someone who never even asked you to.
Thank you for being such an extraordinary part of my Year of Jubilee. And thank you, Meghan, for the beautiful friendship that God used to bring our lives together.
What an unexpected gift.
I own my story. My story doesn’t own me.
And my sin doesn’t define me.
JESUS DOES. 🤍
All glory to God.
