A Mother’s Story of Hope: Addiction, Recovery, and God’s Grace

May 1, 2025

Written By

Beth
When addiction strikes, it doesn’t just impact one person—it shakes an entire family. In this episode of the Lessons from Living podcast, author Kathryn Mae Inman opens up about walking beside her son through years of struggle, including six failed rehab attempts, relapses, and the devastating chaos of addiction.

But this is not only a story of pain—it’s a story of hope. Kathryn shares how faith in Christ became her anchor during the darkest seasons and how her son’s eventual surrender to God led to true healing and restoration. Today, he is living proof that no one is ever too far gone for God’s grace.

If you’re a parent, sibling, or friend of someone battling addiction, this heartfelt conversation—rooted in Kathryn’s book Counting Spoons—offers encouragement, perseverance, and a reminder that God’s redeeming love never fails.

Episode Outline

  • 00:00 – 01:20 — Welcome & Introduction
    Beth sets the tone for the episode, explaining its focus on faith, family, and finding hope in dark seasons.
  • 01:21 – 04:15 — Kathryn’s Story Begins
    Kathryn shares how she and her son co-wrote their book, offering both perspectives on the reality of addiction.
  • 06:00 – 12:00 — Denial, Survival, and Early Signs
    A candid look at how denial and instinct shaped her response to her son’s early struggles with drugs.
  • 16:00 – 20:00 — Relapse & Rock Bottom
    Kathryn recalls the heartbreaking cycle of relapses and the moment she had to set firm boundaries with tough love.
  • 29:00 – 34:00 — Surrendering to Christ
    The pivotal night Kathryn laid it all before God, learning to release control and trust fully in His plan.
  • 45:00 – 52:30 — Faith Journeys in Parallel
    How mother and son each encountered Christ in their own way, finding strength and renewal in Him.
  • 1:00:00 – 1:04:30 — A Redeemed Life
    Justin’s transformation into a husband, father, and business owner, living out a new life anchored in faith.
  • 1:05:30 – 1:07:18 — Closing Reflections
    Kathryn shares her life lesson on love, purpose, and why no one is ever too far gone for God’s mercy.

Best Quotes from the Podcast

“I couldn’t save my son, but there was One who could. The Lord loves him even more than I do.” — Kathryn Mae Inman

“As a parent, you just have to fight for your kids, even if they don’t like you for it.” — Kathryn Mae Inman

“We can’t sugarcoat the darkness, because without it, you don’t fully see the light of Christ.” — Beth, Host

“No one is ever too far gone. God’s grace can reach anyone, anywhere.” — Kathryn Mae Inman

Click play to listen to the full episode

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