"Saying goodbye to my daughter Ashley on Christmas Eve of 2013, was nearly unbearable. She was only 23 years old. It had been a 7-year battle. My heart was not willing to let go. Yet, I knew life had to go on. I made a decision as I processed through my deep grief. I had to turn the unbearable pain, into purpose. I decided to do all that I can to help others."

  - Layla Freeman

LOH Founder

All of us are going through a life journey. We all need help. Especially when it comes to addiction and all the difficulties that come along with it. 

​

There is no ‘normal cycle’ when facing addiction and serious difficulties of life. The truth of “life stuff” is very painful. As a Christian, we have the promises of God. I am so thankful for the comfort I find in those promises. Without God; I would be lost. But I remember when I was confused and feeling alone and lost. I had a hard time understanding that God was still there. This is where we need each other.

 

Too often the world pushes us to move on, get over our "stuff," and pretend we are OK. This is not good, healthy, or anything God intended. We need each other. We need to be honest about our own struggles, so we can find the help and encouragement from others. We are not alone. Everyone is going through something.

​

The more I acknowledged the truth of my own past mistakes and struggles, the more I knew how important it was to talk about it and allow the truth of the struggle to be known. I began to realize the value in sharing the truth of my raw, brokenness.  I allowed myself to become vulnerable,  and soon began realizing the healing I experienced. Not only did it help me, but it was also helping others too. No longer did other people think they were the only one facing the difficulties. It allowed others to open up, and it was clear how important it was for others to be able to process their struggles too. This was the birth of Light of Hope.

 

We are all faced with difficulties in life. Facing addiction is a struggle that should never be faced alone. My heart has a passion to help others walk through life and give them hope when times can seem hopeless. I created Light of Hope to be a place of no judgement…with love, Jesus, and hope as the core focus. We all need a confidential, comfortable place to share our struggles. Anyone is welcome. We become a Light of Hope family.

 

Education and encouragement are huge components to facing addiction. Our focus at Light of Hope is to educate and encourage individuals, families, and the youth, on the realities of addiction. God is our source and our guide. We know that through the direction and guidance of God, we can bring a light of hope to our community.

 

As I face each day without my daughter, I admit that I put on my mask on a daily basis. I have to. How do you get over losing a child? How do you forget about someone who impacted your life daily...who molded you into who you are? You don’t. You do the best you can...one day at a time. I commit my life to turning this pain into purpose. 

 

“I will never forget you Ashley. I will hold you close to my heart forever. You are in my mind every single day. I will never forget your passion for life. You had such a creative talent, skilled with your hands in art, cosmetology, and cooking. I hold your love dear to my heart.”

 

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to know the depth of this kind of love. I look forward to eternity in Heaven. Until then, I keep the faith and pursue the cross. I pray that sharing my heart with you today will help you open your heart to Jesus, so you can allow Him to heal your pain as well.  

 

So, one day at a time, I will do my best to keep my daughter Ashley’s memory alive, honor my other amazing daughters, Savannah and Tessa, be a loving wife and friend…and help our community. My life is dedicated to helping others, loving others and being a light of hope to our community.

 

God is with us.

 

Layla Freeman, Founder & C.E.O.

 

Light of Hope

 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 TIMOTHY 1:7

 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” HEBREWS 4:15-16

 

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11