Saturday, December 10, 2016

21 Days of Inspiration & Motivation - Day 10 with Shannon Redline

Happy and Healthy
Today I am smiling, happy and healthy… well healthier than I had been. Because of past traumas and mental health issues that were not addressed properly, I headed down a path of self-destructive behaviors and life altering addictions. I started out with smoking Marijuana and consuming alcohol at an increasingly alarming rate, and I continued to make poor choices. I continued hanging around with the wrong crowd. Eventually, I ended up turning to harder street drugs: Heroin and Meth, was headed down a life of crime, and stuck in the revolving doors- in and out- of jails.
 It wasn’t until April 29th, 2014, the last time I was arrested, that my life would take an abrupt turn, starting down a path I was unaware existed for me. On June 3rd, 2014 (while incarcerated) I got down on my knees and I prayed to God… To help me and that I couldn’t do it on my own anymore. Since that day, my life has been different and on the mend. I have been a full-time student at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, Or since the Summer term of 2014 working towards a degree in Electronics Technology, as well as, an Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer degree. I have been excelling in school, and it’s pretty amazing what happens when I apply myself.

Earlier this year I had to come to terms with some trauma from my past and identify it for what it really was. I am a survivor of sex trafficking. This past July I was the first of many survivors to be photographed for the Ride My Road campaign that is raising funds and awareness for survivors of sex trafficking through the Rebecca Bender Initiative (RBI). RBI facilitates an online program called Elevate, which is a 16 week class where sister survivors meet to heal and grow. I graduated the Elevate program April 4th, 2016.  Many doors have been opened along this journey of sobriety, and walking with God. I have spoken to youth groups, at women’s retreats and church events sharing my testimony in hopes to help others who are going through a rough season. What I have learned, is that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13

I am also a Life Coach at Hearts With A Mission in Grants Pass, where I get the honor of working with the homeless youth population. I get to be to them who I wish I had when I was their age. Loving them and letting them know that they are so much more than what bad stuff is happening or has happened to them.  I am so much more than the words that were used to describe me based on past choices and experiences. Today I am becoming more and more the woman I was always intended to be. I am a dog mom, a student, a watercolorist, a mentor, a daughter of Christ, and a positive, contributing member of my community.

I have been told “No!” a lot, and I’m here to tell you that’s just a word. I am proof that you can write your own life story and become who you were always meant to be by never giving up. 
- Shannon Redline- 

To hear more of my story or to book a speaking engagement email me:  shannred9@gmail.com
https://surpassingtheredline.blogspot.com

  



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9 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 10, 2016 at 7:04 PM

    You are indeed a walking testimony. I have had the privilege of experiencing your beautiful heart when my car broke down in Grants Pass. I was at a down point and was moving from California to Salem Oregon in search of something better for my family and I. Shannon you and Jessica showed me people still care in this world. I thank God he doesn't make mistakes. Our new was not just by chance. Keep doing what you do and shine bright like a diamond my Sister in Christ. I love you and Archie. Hope to see you all soon.

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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2016 at 5:20 PM

      Thank you Mardale so much for all of your kind words :) God is amazing and I am so grateful that he crossed our paths :) I'm thankful for the time I had with you and your family, and the friendship we've gained from it. Love you and miss your beautiful self!

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  2. UnknownDecember 12, 2016 at 2:02 PM

    Too often we allow outside influences or our past determine what we can do or how far we go... you allowed GOD to break those chains. You are an inspiration to all human beings of the strength we have inside of us to overcome any obstacle. Knowing you has changed my life sometimes all we need is a hand up.

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    1. UnknownDecember 12, 2016 at 11:12 PM

      Thank you so much for all of you love and support, and never giving up on me despite the challenges and set backs. You are a part of my past, present and future and I'm blessed to have you by my side.

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  3. UnknownDecember 12, 2016 at 2:56 PM

    I have to giggle a bit about the remark above by Mardale whose car broke down in Grants Pass because, if I recall correctly, it was another car whose driver "broke down" in Grants Pass that brought us together! Right, Shannon? I, too, thank God that He makes no mistakes because watching you grow in Him and having the joy of being part of your journey has been a super faith-builder for me! It has been wonderful watching you reach in to find yourself, reach out to give to others, and reach up to God as your source! Love you, friend! Keep your eyes on Him!

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    1. UnknownDecember 12, 2016 at 11:15 PM

      That driver (me) definitely did break down. Reaching my bottom and having no where to go, but up... God directed towards the path... I just followed. And he's brought key influences into my life :) I am grateful everyday that he brought us together. Amen to that! Love you to the stars!

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  4. AnonymousDecember 12, 2016 at 5:21 PM

    A lot of people go through hard things. A lot of people make mistakes. But it takes a very special person to publicly share their mistakes, and the hard things they've gone through, just to help others. Shannon, I love reading what you write, because it's so inspiring to me. And it fills me with joy to know that there may be someone else out there who is in a situation similar to where you were who may be reading this. Seeing what you're doing now, hearing what you're life is like - I can't imagine anything that would be more helpful to them. Keep up your great work, my friend.

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    1. UnknownDecember 12, 2016 at 11:19 PM

      That's the biggest reason I do share. The hope to help just one person, affect one life for the better, in hopes to help those who are currently struggling or have struggled in life. Our circumstances may be different, but our pain is the same and that unites us together in this journey called life. I am grateful to have your support and know that there are many people in my corner. :) I appreciate you so very much. Thank you :)

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  5. Caleb LaPlanteDecember 23, 2016 at 7:59 AM

    We met in January 2015, when you were already on a new path for your life. But since that time, I've had the privilege of witnessing so many of the big changes and the significant growth that has shown on the outside. Here's the thing with trauma and tragedy. It's certainly not something we want for ourselves or our loved ones. But the good news: it can be a springboard into great triumphs! I am proud of you, and to call you friend. Thanks for sharing this for our the world to see. The future is bright!

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