This is the fourth story in my "Inspiring Women" Series.


"I used to have a handle on life ... but it broke off."

The above plaque that hangs in Patti D.'s kitchen is confirmation that humor helps one overcome obstacles in life, but more important, so does faith.

On May Day 1995, Patti received a diagnosis of lobular evasive carcinoma; i.e., breast cancer. Four days later, she was under the scalpel, undergoing a modified radical mastectomy. Six months of chemotherapy resulted in beating the cancer into remission, but left Patti crying when her hair fell out. Yet she rejoiced that she had a nicely shaped head (there's that humor!). Patti "cruised" through treatment and didn't suffer many side effects, thanks to a faithful God and prayer warriors helping her fight her battle. She was given three years to live--it's now been thirteen. A volunteer with the American Cancer Society these days, she is able to comfort other women battling breast cancer.

Several years ago, Patti's young, single daughter had heartbreaking news: "Mom, I'm pregnant." Patti's daughter eventually married the baby's father, and is now faithfully serving at her church and living a blessed life of restoration.

In 2000, a near-fatal car accident almost claimed Patti's life (the same daughter was a passenger). Knocked unconscious, Patti suffered cracked kneecaps and a broken sternum, hand, and foot. She is still in litigation over the accident but the fact they survived the crash is a miracle in itself. God was with her all along.

High school sweethearts, Patti and George wed in 1976 while attending Nazarene Bible College. Eventually becoming parents of three children, they led an idyllic life in Fountain, CO. But George was hiding a secret, one that he'd been hiding since he was 13 years old: his drinking. Patti loved George, but not the addictions that were destroying their family and marriage. She believed that her "quiet and chastened spirit" would cure him, but after 23 years, Patti realized that what George really needed was accountability and that the only way to find peace was to expel him from the house. Their separation eventually led to divorce; nevertheless, George refused to break free from what was destroying his life.

George landed in the hospital in August of 2005 with a blood alcohol level of six times the legal limit. This, on top of a violent reaction to some medication, brought him close to death. Angry that he was still drinking, Patti refused to be a part of it but God had other plans. George's lifestyle and choices had emptied him of all relationships, so there was no one else around at that moment to do what God was telling her to do: lay hands on her ex-husband and pray for him. She obeyed and he survived, but she will never forget the look of horror and fear in his eyes that day, as if he was freefalling to his death.

Within days of George's admission to the hospital, Patti began experiencing atypical symptoms of a heart attack. After many sleepless nights and enduring excruciating pain (tests revealed nothing: it was spiritual, not physical), she surrounded herself with strong friends willing to stand vigil over her and pray. After beginning her arduous healing process, Patti realized that she was "shucking and jiving" with God; in other words, she was a big fake. She sought intimacy with God to replace the "religious patterns." Slowly, sleep returned and the pain subsided.

After George's discharge from the hospital, he called Patti to humbly repent and ask for forgiveness for not being a good husband. He asked if there was any chance for reconciliation between them. Patti couldn't make any promises, but was open to what God had in store for them. When they met for lunch the next day, George wept. Patti listened, not completely understanding or trying to interpret, but simply held it inside. When George announced he was going into detox, she assured him, "The kids and I will be waiting for you when you get out."

Twenty nine days later he was released. Sober. They began "dating" again. On September 18, 2006, what would have been their 30th wedding anniversary, George and Patti eloped, and George has since taken his place as the head of household, with God on the throne.

Patti insists she and George should be dead after all they've been through, physically and spiritually. What Satan meant for evil, God meant for good: they have begun a new prison ministry to help inmates recover from addictions. Patti has also been a motivational speaker for many years, using her life experiences to help others tackle whatever life is throwing at them. Whether it's breast cancer, a wayward child, divorce, near-death experiences, or even alcoholism, there's nothing that a little humor and a lot of faith can't pull you through.

Patti has the following advice for those going through their own fires:

1. Nothing is so bad that you can't get help, so don't pretend it's not there.

2. If danger is present, it's okay to separate. However, don't stop praying for that husband/child/sister/parent/etc.

3. Surround yourself with supportive friends who can minister to you, yet hold you accountable.

4. Confess to a warrior, not a gossiper.

5. Stay teachable.

6. Push back against the facts (bad health reports, shrinking finances, status quo, singleness); push on toward God.

7. Life happens. Don't "escape"; instead, expect God to bring you through.

8. Use your life experiences to help others.

Patti's speaking ministry is called "Peace in the Pressure Cooker." To book her for your next event, contact Deborah Hendrix at 719-271-2411.

To find out more information about George and Patti's alcohol and drug addiction recovery program, "Rejection to Adoption," please call them at 719-392-3490 or 719-650-9476.