Faith Over Fear: Reflections for the heart - Episode 14: The Prodigal Son: The ache of watching him fall apart (Pt. 1)

The Prodigal Son: The ache of watching him fall (Part 1)In this raw, unscripted episode, Kimberly opens the door to a story that spans decades—motherhood born in crisis, a son raised in hardship and love, and the long, aching road of addiction that has stolen so much and still hasn’t had the last word.

At 21, disowned and working two jobs, she delivered her firstborn alone and learned to survive in a world that offered no soft landings. There were the years in the ghetto—the late walks home from a midnight shift, the fear, the assault that left scars you can’t see. There were the early signs of brilliance in her boy—quick to walk, potty-trained by two, reading early, artistic and athletic—then ADHD and school troubles that required creativity and grit. There were the moves, the blended family, the identity clash of a teenager who had acted as “man of the house,” the tragic “hangman’s fracture” after a drunken fall, and a mother who felt the edges of her ability to fix anything.

Then came the long war. Drinking that turned to blackouts. DWIs. Somewhere along the way, drugs. Mom recovering from domestic violence and a psychotic break. A protective order. Boundaries. And still, the love.

For over twenty years and numerous rehabs, locally and out-of-state. Five children. Seasons of sobriety when he was the attentive, tender dad—and seasons of disappearance when absence was the safest mercy. There were midnight searches through dangerous streets; a drive through the night to Maryland where he completed a one‑year program and graduated. Hope rose: a job, a home, a baby on the way—until he disappeared.

This is the cost: thousands gone - money, hours & prayers, numerous rescues ; pawned wedding rings (mine) & electronics; food, clothes & change taken; phone bills paid just to keep a lifeline open. Children watching a mother pace, pray, and refuse to give up. And still she hoped.

The present valley is painfully recent. December brought rehab. March was a reckoning. On April 23 she could only whisper, “I can’t breathe,” and resolved to stop enabling—no phone, no cash, no bed—choosing to become “his prayer intercessor”.

On June 13 he sent a healthy photo; twelve hours later he vanished. Rebound was quick and he was back in a program within a week and we celebrated his 39th birthday on July 21 and he was sober. Between July 24 & July 26 something changed and became a lament: “Why?” He's gone...again.

This episode is not a tidy testimony. It is a lament built from groans, boundaries, and a mother’s surrender. It’s for every parent who has loved a child they cannot rescue and for anyone asking where God is when the phone won’t ring and the night won’t end. You will hear a stubborn, surrendered hope.

Scripture:

Luke 15:20

Psalm 13:1–2

Romans 8:26

This is Part 1 of a two‑part series. In Part 2, we will step into the breaking point and invite the community to ask God to meet us here—together.

If you’re walking this road: you are not alone.

For more inspiration check out her Substack: Whyfaithoverfear. If you're looking for community check out her sisterhood in Christ FB group: Abide & Arise

Kimberly Dunham is a Coach who walks alongside women seeking restoration after seasons of pain, loss, or identity crisis. She ministers to women navigating complex emotional wounds—including divorce, abandonment, rejection, codependency, trauma, and spiritual disconnection.

Kimberly blends biblical truth, personal experience, and coaching principles to create a compassionate, Spirit-led partnership with her clients. She knows healing is not linear—and that emotional pain often comes layered and intertwined. Her coaching centers around clarity, obedience, and the healing power of walking in alignment with God’s truth. Book your free 30-minute discovery call today.