Celebrate with me! 20 Years Cocaine-Free!

by Cindy Bultema | Jul 26, 2016 | Uncategorized | 7 comments

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20 Years!

Hi friends 🙂

Today — July 26, 2016 — is a special day!

20 years ago today, I accidentally overdosed on cocaine and nearly lost my life to my addiction. ?

The picture on the left (holding my 2 yr old son Jake) is from when I was in the pit of destruction.

I may have been smiling on the outside, but I was hollow on the inside. 5 days after this photo, I was in an ambulance after they announced I would probably be “dead on arrival” at the hospital. Let’s not judge one’s health and wellness by their outside appearance. Right?

Top right is the day my son was born. Best day ever–but I was overcome with fear and guilt. I didn’t know how to cope with my past, so I stuffed and numbed my pain.

Good news: today I am free. Whole. Healthy–inside and out. Perfect? Um, no. Free? YES! ???

I didn’t find my freedom at the mall, online, or in a magazine.

His Name is Jesus.

What nearly took my life, ended up being the very catalyst to help me find Life. (John 14:6) ?

You can learn more about what God has done in my life here. #thankYouLord

Do you know someone who is in the abyss of addiction? Why not leave their initials (or a code name) below, and let’s pray for freedom, wholeness, and life in Jesus’ Name for all!

And sweet friend, if you are struggling with addiction, I would be so humbled and blessed to pray for YOU!

Because the good news is: if He can do it for me, He can do it for you too! Or…

He can do it for the prodigal child you are praying for.
Your coworker who drives you crazy
The neighbor who wants nothing to do with your “religion”
Your spouse or significant other

There’s no one too far gone from God’s amazing grace!

I’m off to find some confetti—and maybe even a cake! It’s time to celebrate! ??????

7 Comments

Robin Johnson on July 26, 2016 at 2:10 pm

Congratulations on beating all odds…and finding Jesus….i love u sparkle friend…
Reply
- Cindy Bultema on July 26, 2016 at 9:37 pm
  
  Much love to you too, Robin! I thank God for YOU! xoxo
  Reply
Lenita on July 26, 2016 at 2:42 pm

Simply beautiful! I am so thankful for how the Lord set you free! There is nothing like being free. You spoke so much wisdom into my life when I heard you speak at the She Speaks 2016 conference. I thank the Lord for your zeal for Him and your ministry for Him. Have a beautiful day celebrating! I am rejoicing with you and eating some virtual cake. 🙂
Reply
- Cindy Bultema on July 26, 2016 at 9:38 pm
  
  Oh bless you, dear Lenita. Aren’t you the sweetest?! I’m so thankful how God brings like-minded women together. May God use the many seeds planted at She Speaks to bear much Kingdom fruit in your life and ministry! 🙂
  Reply
Lori K on July 27, 2016 at 6:45 am

Huge Congrats, Cindy 🙂 Well done!
Reply
Theresa on July 27, 2016 at 8:37 pm

Congratulations on 20 years free! Our God is so amazing as He redeems our lives from the pit. 20 years ago is when He saved me! Thank you Lord.
Reply
Janet Lash on June 28, 2017 at 7:08 am

Yes, my niece Mandy, she’s back in jail for dealing again. Please pray for her deliverance, and surrender, and how I can help.
Reply

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I’m Cindy—wife, mom, ministry leader, speaker, author & overcomer.

I love coffee, celebrations, & all things sparkly, and believe being real is the only way to live. Once upon a time I was a hopeless addict, but God…
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What Others Are Saying

Cindy Bultema is a breath of fresh air!

"Cindy Bultema is a breath of fresh air! With vulnerable openness, gut-level honesty, down-home humor, and timeless biblical truth, her spoken and written words will inspire you to take an action step toward fresh faith and renewed hope.

Cindy ministers on and off the platform with personal warmth and genuine compassion. As a speaker, author, and mentor to many, Cindy has my highest recommendation!"

Carol Kent, Speaker and Author
President, Speak Up Ministries

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T13:50:57-05:00

Carol Kent, Speaker and Author
President, Speak Up Ministries

"Cindy Bultema is a breath of fresh air! With vulnerable openness, gut-level honesty, down-home humor, and timeless biblical truth, her spoken and written words will inspire you to take an action step toward fresh faith and renewed hope. Cindy ministers on and off the platform with personal warmth and genuine compassion. As a speaker, author, and mentor to many, Cindy has my highest recommendation!"

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/cindy-bultema-is-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Cindy mentioned each woman at least once by name throughout her sessions.

"As women's ministry leaders know, finding a speaker who is Right AND Relevant is quite a task.

God led us to Cindy last spring as a speaker for our fall retreat at Mackinac Island. Even then, I did not realize what a gifted messenger she would be.

With almost 70 women present, Cindy mentioned each woman at least once by name throughout her sessions. She did not shrink back from telling her testimony, as difficult as it must have been. And she opened the book of Revelation to our ladies with insight and application like few women I have ever heard.

Thank you, Cindy for marking this retreat as a milestone in women's ministries at Woodside Bible Church. Praying we will never be the same."

Shari Hulcy, Women's Ministries Director
Woodside Bible Church, White Lake, MI

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:14:15-05:00

Shari Hulcy, Women's Ministries Director
Woodside Bible Church, White Lake, MI

"As women's ministry leaders know, finding a speaker who is Right AND Relevant is quite a task. God led us to Cindy last spring as a speaker for our fall retreat at Mackinac Island. Even then, I did not realize what a gifted messenger she would be. With almost 70 women present, Cindy mentioned each woman at least once by name throughout her sessions. She did not shrink back from telling her testimony, as difficult as it must have been. And she opened the book of Revelation to our ladies with insight and application like few women I have ever heard. Thank you, Cindy for marking this retreat as a milestone in women's ministries at Woodside Bible Church. Praying we will never be the same."

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/cindy-mentioned-each-woman-at-least-once-by-name-throughout-her-sessions/

Experiencing Cindy speak will awaken you…

"Experiencing Cindy speak will awaken you to timeless truths of scripture made relevant to your life today.

Her amazing story of transformation, coupled with her solid biblical teaching -- not to mention her contagious smile -- will find you walking away in love with her perfect Savior."

Karen Ehman, Director of Speakers for Proverbs 31 Ministries; Author

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:15:47-05:00

Karen Ehman, Director of Speakers for Proverbs 31 Ministries; Author

"Experiencing Cindy speak will awaken you to timeless truths of scripture made relevant to your life today. Her amazing story of transformation, coupled with her solid biblical teaching -- not to mention her contagious smile -- will find you walking away in love with her perfect Savior."

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/experiencing-cindy-speak-will-awaken-you/

Cindy’s enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious…

"You will find no one more highly motivated to see lives changed by God’s love and grace than Cindy. Cindy’s enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious and many women have testified that she has ministered to them from the message she delivered.

Cindy’s personal testimony has been one of transformation for God’s Glory. She continues be used by God through her testimony for the many women who have had similar life circumstances and for others who can see what God can do!"

Suzanne Reinink, Director of Adult Ministries
Sunshine Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:18:34-05:00

Suzanne Reinink, Director of Adult Ministries
Sunshine Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI

"You will find no one more highly motivated to see lives changed by God’s love and grace than Cindy. Cindy’s enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious and many women have testified that she has ministered to them from the message she delivered. Cindy’s personal testimony has been one of transformation for God’s Glory. She continues be used by God through her testimony for the many women who have had similar life circumstances and for others who can see what God can do!"

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/cindys-enthusiasm-for-the-lord-is-contagious/

Several attendees have continued to comment on how great she was months after the event.

"Cindy came to Texas and lead three sessions during our overnight Fall Women’s Retreat. Each Biblically based session was well thought out and touched each of us as she dove into finding balance in our unbalanced world. She made sure to tailor the message to our audience of multi-generational women in all stages and phases of life. However, it was in the ‘down time’ that Cindy deeply connected to several of the ladies who were so moved by her messages that they later were able to share private tears together. It was lovely to see God’s hand of healing being brought to the ladies of our church through Cindy’s powerful words and gentle spirit. Several attendees have continued to comment on how great she was months after the event. Cindy will be a great addition to your event/retreat too."

Andrea Sellers, Director Women’s Ministry, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, TX

Cindy Bultema

2015-03-04T15:23:46-05:00

Andrea Sellers, Director Women’s Ministry, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, TX

https://www.cindybultema.com/testimonials/several-attendees-have-continued-to-comment-on-how-great-she-was-months-after-the-event/

Cindy Bultema

Celebrate with me! 20 Years Cocaine-Free!