Someone’s Son: A Mother’s Love for her Drug Addicted, Gay Son

Feb 16, 2011Family Uncaged, Find joy today, Heal from the past, Write!

I’m privileged today to have Brenda Rhodes with me. She approached me almost two years ago and asked if I’d consider helping her write her memoir. I always say no to requests like this, but God stopped me before I blurted NO. Instead, I retreated and asked God for direction. He indicated that I should pursue this with Brenda.

This is a hard story. But a beautiful one. About a mother’s love, a son’s rebellion. God’s never-give-up love.

We finished the manuscript in the summer of 2009. It went through the editorial process, and now it’s available. Pick up a copy here. Or visit Brenda’s website for more information.

Someone’s Son is a true story of a mother battling to rescue her prodigal son when God intervenes, reaching into the darkest of places to find a mother and her son who need Him desperately.

Rhodes takes you down a path of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to be able to see that no darkness can block out His plan of redemption. She brings readers to see, feel and taste the redemptive love and power of God, no matter what their circumstances or how they got there.

Someone’s Son will touch your heart and stir your faith. Readers will come away with confidence that God can handle your darkest sins, your guilt, your regrets, your sorrow, or your pain.

Like to know more? Read on for Brenda’s interview.Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

I was born in Houston. Came to Dallas when I was 11 because my Dad was starting the family business: Bowling & Billiard Supplies of Dallas, Inc. Have lived in the Dallas area ever since.
I married at 18 and had my first child, my daughter Wendi, also at 18. My son, Ronal Paul, was born three years later. My marriage was very troubled and failed in 1971 the year my son was born. I re-married my ex-husband in 1973 when he was incarcerated for armed robbery – yes, you read that right. I believed he had hit rock bottom and had come back to God. That marriage failed again in 1977 about one year after he came home.

I married again in 1980 – 1983 to a man I later found out had molested my son. Yes, you read that right too.

In 1981 I brought my mother into my home because of her failing health and mental/emotional condition. This arrangement was very hard on my kids. She passed away in 1989.

I married again in 1991 until 1998. Bad track record !!

My Dad was my hero who passed away when I was 27 he was only 59 – in 1976. I have one old brother, Ronnie, who became my business partner in our family business for 25 years and we remain partners in real estate. We sold the business in 2001 and are now partially retired – we stay busy!!

I became a Christian as a child, but had no mentoring. I walked close to God in my twenties, but walked away from God when my Dad died. Came back to God on January 20, 1999 during the crisis with my son’s drug addiction, homosexuality and HIV status.

Was that a “little bit”?

What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?

These days I don’t have much spare time. I am a group leader in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) a Stephen Minister (a one to one crisis care giving ministry) and I work part-time.

For fun: I pick up my grandson, Lorenzo, from school on Wednesdays and spend time with him and Wendi (my daughter) and her family.
I keep my step-great-grandson, Evan, every other Thursday.

I enjoy painting pottery and I have too many Munchkin cats which I breed. They have little short legs and are adorable.

I love any and all family get togethers. We have a lake house on Cedar Creek lake that we enjoy spending time at whenever we can.
I love love love holidays and cooking for our family and friends.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

This is a hard one. Let me think . . .(smell the smoke?) This is really hard because I serve a super God who is all powerful and I depend on Him, so what would assist Him? Hmmmmmmmm I know! If I could fly I could get to hurting people faster and bring them the good news of our Lord Jesus and God’s love.

What has God been teaching you lately?

Patience – that one was easy! The process of getting this book out was very long and I struggled with waiting. Well meaning people would say, “God’s timing is perfect.” Yeah yeah yeah – I struggled with waiting – did I already say that?

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A hair stylist, like most little girls I loved to “play” with my own hair and that of friends. I was pretty good. One day the dad of one of my friends said, “Oh, Brenda, you can’t do that, you’re too heavy to stand on your feet all day.” Busted my bubble. So, I’ve always sat at a desk.

Where are you headed next?

I don’t know and don’t care – I’m following my Lord wherever He leads.

How did you know you were ready to write this book?

I knew God was urging me to do so, but I resisted out of fear of failing Him. It was on my 60th birthday, two years ago, that I realized I was so afraid of failing God that I was failing God. My eyes were opened to my lack of faith in Him and I surrendered. And, guess what, He provided everything I needed immediately!! Starting with Mary DeMuth as my “guide” through the process.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

This is the easiest question of all! My heart’s desire and prayer is for readers to see God’s redemption and His love and faithfulness as He carried me and my son through the fire.
To bring glory to God for all He has done and is still doing in my life and for my family.

I will rejoice in Him always!

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