Mitchell County

My name is Melissa Bradshaw, and I am 42 years old. I am the mother of two adult children, Hannah, 22, and Terry, 20.

For the last 20 years of my life, I lived in drug addiction. Unfortunately, I have been in more jails than I have fingers and toes. Eventually, I was sentenced to 42 months in the Florida Department of Corrections. It was there that I experienced what many call “jailhouse religion.” More importantly, it was where a small seed of faith in Jesus Christ was planted.

At that time, all I knew about Jesus was that He brought me peace and conviction during those difficult 42 months. I began to realize there truly was a God because I saw His protection over my mother, my children, and my elderly grandparents.

I wish I could say I had learned my lesson, but only three months after my release, I found myself serving another lengthy sentence in a federal correctional facility.

It was there that I completely surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.

When I was released, I entered a God-centered recovery program because I was ready for change. During that time, I began experiencing God’s incredible gifts, especially His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Unfortunately, six months into the program, my faith was shaken as the courts determined the custody of my children. During that season, God continually brought me back to Joshua 1:9:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (KJV)

Sadly, I did the exact opposite. I left the program.

Even then, I knew I still needed Jesus.

Three years later, I was continuing to grow in my relationship with Christ. By God’s grace and mercy, I had regained my children and remained sober. Then tragedy struck when my best friend died from an overdose. I could not process the grief.

Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28 became deeply meaningful:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (KJV)

Little did I know another life-changing season was approaching.

My mother became terminally ill, so I moved back to Florida to care for her. Shortly after arriving, I unknowingly passed COVID-19 to her. She spent 40 days in the ICU. The overwhelming guilt and trauma drove me back into drug addiction.

During those 40 days, I questioned God and His plan for my life. Everything I believed seemed uncertain.

Although my mother eventually returned home, it was only for a short time. She required full-time care, was no longer mobile, depended on oxygen, and was actively dying. Watching her suffer devastated me.

On January 18, 2022, my mother passed away.

Her suffering ended, but mine had only begun.

Broken by grief and unable to process everything I had experienced, I became angry with God. I felt abandoned and completely alone. Everything inside me seemed to die with my mother.

Instead of turning to God, I turned back to drugs.

For the next four years, addiction once again controlled my life.

By 2025, I was exhausted. I had reached the end of myself. I cried out to God, begging Him either to change my heart or take me home. I had no options left.

My plans were to leave for Virginia to get clean.

God had different plans.

Halfway there, He stopped me through an arrest in Iredell County.

To everyone else, I had been arrested.

To me, I had been rescued.

When I was pulled over, I was driving a friend’s vehicle, and he was riding with me. After a K-9 search, officers discovered large amounts of drugs hidden around the vehicle. From my perspective, the drugs were not mine because it was not my vehicle.

Nevertheless, I was charged with nine trafficking offenses and given a $750,000 bond.

At that moment, I knew God had completely stopped me. He left me no choice but to be still.

Psalm 46:10 became my anchor:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (KJV)

I spent 23½ hours each day locked in a crowded two-person cell housing three inmates. There was little I could do except pray.

Seven months after surrendering everything to God, He began restoring my faith.

It was inside that jail where the deepest wounds of my life—my guilt, shame, addiction, failures, and grief—began to heal.

I also began recognizing the people God had placed around me, including Mrs. Pansy, my daughter, Kristin at Solus Christus, and others working behind the scenes to help me enter another God-centered recovery program.

After missing three court dates, I surrendered the entire situation to God.

Then, on January 23, 2026, everything changed.

That afternoon, God moved in a mighty way.

The nine trafficking charges disappeared.

Instead, I pleaded guilty to two felony charges and received time served.

My release was scheduled for the following day.

Then an ice storm hit, leaving me without transportation except from someone whose influence would have been unhealthy. Yet again, God intervened.

Isaiah 44:2 reminded me:

“Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee…” (KJV)

I remained in jail 42 additional days before finally being released on February 27, 2026.

From there, I went to Solus Christus, a ministry that helps women enter Christ-centered recovery programs. After six days, I arrived at Never2Scarred.

Since walking through those doors three months ago, I have found the family I never had.

God has faithfully provided every need.

He has restored my relationship with my son.

He has answered countless prayers.

Most importantly, I have fully accepted that Jesus Christ died for me.

He chose me.

I am no longer defined by my addiction, my failures, or my past.

My identity is now found in Christ.

He has set me apart for His purpose and is equipping me for His calling.

As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (KJV)

Today, my story is no longer about addiction.

It is a story of redemption.

It is proof that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

No matter how broken your past may be, Jesus Christ is still in the business of rescuing people. If He could save me, He can save you.

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Melissa Bradshaw is a resident of Mitchell County, North Carolina, and is currently participating in the Never2Scarred Christ-centered recovery ministry. She desires to use her testimony to encourage others who are struggling with addiction, grief, and hopelessness to discover the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

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