“The fact that I have a purpose on this planet to do God’s work is a huge blessing. It bleeds over into amazing gifts throughout my whole life.”
– Deanna Richardson, Volunteer in recovery since January 14, 2014
Deanna attended meetings at The Magdalen House on and off for about a year before stopping to take custody of her brother’s three children. After a few months with no commitments, she began to feel spiritually disconnected. A miraculous call from Maggie’s asking her to become a meeting chair happened at just the right moment. This spiritual experience four years ago guided Deanna to accept the request, and she has been chairing Thursdays at noon ever since.
Deanna’s meetings are every Thursday at 12:00 pm.
1. What is your favorite line in the Big Book, and why?
“Simple but not easy, A price had to be paid. It meant the destruction of self centeredness.” – Page 14
I love these two lines out of Bill’s story because it is easy to think sobriety is a bed of roses. That it is supposed to be pain-free and easy, and that it is all going to be happy and joyful times. But in reality, life goes on. These words remind me that either I am going to pay the price of drinking with self-destruction or pay the price with the 12 Steps and destruction of self. Either way, there is a price.
2. What has been the most significant gift to you in your Recovery?
Freedom from selfishness and receiving the absolute honor of being able to help so many people. The fact that I have a purpose on this planet to do God’s work is a huge blessing. It bleeds over into amazing gifts throughout my whole life.
3. What would you say to women who are new to recovery?
Don’t give up. There is hope. It might seem like you are out of options and the hole is too deep to climb out of, but I guarantee you that if you are willing to take it, there is a loving hand of a woman at The Magdalen House who is reaching to you to help pull you out.
4. What is your life like today?
My life today is full of freedom. I am no longer a prisoner to those heavy chains of alcoholism, self-pity, fear, and self-doubt that kept me in the dark for years. I get to experience and feel life instead of running away from it.
5. What are some of your hobbies or things that you enjoy in your free time?
Most of my free time is spent with my kids and my amazing man. I love going and hearing live music, watching movies, traveling to new places, enjoying nature, and keeping healthy and fit.
About Deanna Richardson
Meet Deanna Richardson — Because of the 12 steps found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and her relationship with God, she became an Auntie Mommy. She took in her brothers three kids that were homeless. Becoming a new mom overnight, she has experienced a lot of ups and downs over the past five years. There has been a lot of pain, hardship, tough love, struggle learning, and sometimes slow growth. She does not regret a minute of it and would not change her decision to take them for the world. She has received her reward tenfold by getting to see the kids overcome huge obstacles and persevere to reach their goals. Only because of God’s grace, love, and power was she able to help them to do this. They have also experienced God’s power and love within themselves. Most people she tells her story to, who do not understand her life, may call her a hero. But she knows that she is just God’s miracle, the Divine work of an amazing sculptor.
