Winds of Redemption: A Journey of Addiction and Faith

On a single Sunday, I wrote a 46,000-word draft that seemed to come alive with every keystroke. This is a story that weaves through the pain of addiction and the promise of redemption, grounded in the Latter-day Saint faith. The themes are not just challenging— they’re deeply human and universal. They explore the relentless pursuit of healing and the unwavering hope for recovery. This isn’t just a tale; it’s an exploration of faith and resilience.

WIP – Summary

Winds of Redemption follows Jacob Hartman, a man in his thirties whose life has spiraled downward after a painful divorce. Once a devoted member of the LDS Church, he now struggles with addiction and alienation from his daughter, Ella. Living in Seattle, he feels lost and consumed by regret.

One fateful night, Jacob stumbles into a bookstore and sees a dusty Book of Mormon. It triggers memories of his past, but he dismisses it, feeling unworthy. As despair deepens, he is imprisoned for DUI, where he meets Gideon Thomas, a wise and compassionate guard who is also a Latter-day Saint. Gideon encourages Jacob to seek hope and meaning. Despite his resistance, the seed of redemption is planted.

Jacob discovers the Book of Mormon in the prison library. He starts reading, which stirs a flicker of hope within him. However, upon release, reintegration proves challenging. He battles addiction while gaining support from Rachel, a social worker. Attending recovery meetings helps him confront his past and share his pain, but he faces setbacks, including a relapse that brings him to the brink of despair.

In a moment of clarity, Jacob finds inspiration in Alma 39 of the Book of Mormon, igniting a desire for change. He begins to rebuild his life, reconnecting with Rachel and tentatively reaching out to Sarah, his ex-wife. This journey tests his resolve but also brings moments of hope.

At a community gathering, Jacob confronts his past. He shares his story with Sarah and Ella, allowing them to see his transformation. His honesty resonates with others, and Sarah starts to recognize the man he is becoming.

By embracing his faith, Jacob finds belonging in his community. He teaches Ella about kindness and forgiveness, striving to mend their family. Ultimately, Jacob becomes a mentor to others in recovery, using his journey to inspire hope. Winds of Redemption reveal that it’s never too late to seek redemption and reconnect with family.

Part 1: Departure

The Ordinary World: Seattle, Washington is where we meet our protagonist, Jacob Hartman, a once-devout member of the LDS Church, now a broken man in his early thirties. Jacob’s life is filled with echoes of laughter and warmth from a past that has crumbled: his family, a loving wife named Sarah, and their young daughter Ella. Following a painful divorce, Jacob feels alienated from his daughter and abandoned by his faith. His days are now spent in a haze of alcohol and regret, working a dead-end job and isolated from the community he once cherished.

The Call to Adventure: One night, after a particularly heavy drinking session, Jacob stumbles into an old bookstore while seeking refuge from the storm outside. He catches a glimpse of a dusty Book of Mormon on a shelf. The sight triggers memories of his childhood, but he quickly dismisses it, feeling it represents everything he has turned his back on.

Refusal of the Call: As he continues to spiral deeper into despair, Jacob’s internal monologue reveals his profound anger and bitterness towards the church. He believes he has forsaken any chance of redemption and feels unworthy of reconnecting with his faith or his daughter. The thought of facing his past terrifies him, leading to further self-destruction.

Meeting the Mentor: While in prison for a DUI charge, Jacob meets Gideon Thomas, a wise and compassionate guard who is also a Latter-day Saint. Gideon Thomas, a return missionary, sees Jacob’s potential and shares stories of redemption and hope. He encourages Jacob to seek meaning and healing. Jacob, however, remains resistant, fueled by self-loathing and disbelief.

Crossing the First Threshold: After a year of incarceration, Jacob stumbles upon the Book of Mormon in the prison library. His curiosity piqued; he reluctantly began to read. The words resonate with him; he feels a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. This marks the beginning of his journey back towards faith and self-discovery.

Part 2: Initiation

Tests, Allies, Enemies: Jacob faces numerous challenges post-release. He struggles with reintegration into society, battling addiction and the ghosts of his past. He encounters Rachel, a compassionate social worker who becomes an unexpected ally, encouraging him to attend support groups. However, he also faces enemies within himself: guilt, shame, and the constant temptations of his old lifestyle.

Approach to the Inmost Cave: As he begins to attend AA meetings, Jacob learns about the power of vulnerability and forgiveness. During one of these meetings, he shares his story, revealing the pain of losing his family and faith. This act of honesty is both liberating and terrifying, pushing him closer to confronting his past.

The Ordeal: One fateful night, overwhelmed by loneliness and despair, Jacob succumbs to alcoholism again. He finds himself in a deep stupor, during which he relives memories of his daughter and estranged wife. In this state, he decides to throw away the Book of Mormon but is inexplicably drawn to it. As he flips through the pages, they land on Alma 39, where Alma the Younger speaks of repentance and hope. The words pierce through his haze, igniting a desperate yearning for change.

Reward (Seizing the Sword): Waking up with a newfound clarity, Jacob resolves to take control of his life. He starts taking notes from the Book of Mormon, rediscovering faith, and realizing that his past does not define him. The message of grace and forgiveness begins to reshape his identity and offers a new path.

Part 3: The Return

The Road Back: With determination, Jacob begins to rebuild his life. He reconnects with Rachel, who supports him in finding a job and a new apartment. He tentatively reaches out to Sarah, seeking to mend their relationship for the sake of Ella. This path is fraught with setbacks, but Jacob persists, leaning on the teachings he has embraced.

Resurrection: The true test of Jacob’s transformation comes when he is invited to a community gathering where he must face both his past and present. Sarah is there with Ella, and the emotions run high. Jacob stands before them, sharing his journey of healing and the lessons he has learned from the Book of Mormon. The authenticity of his struggle resonates with others, and Sarah begins to see the man he is becoming.

Return with the Elixir: In the end, Jacob finds a sense of belonging within the community, gaining the courage to embrace his faith again. He begins to teach Ella about the principles of kindness, forgiveness, and grace. His journey culminates in him becoming a mentor to others in recovery, using his experiences to inspire hope. The winds of change have swept through his life, bringing restoration and healing not only to himself but also to his family.

Conclusion:

Winds of Redemption is a story of transformation, illustrating the struggle between despair and hope. Jacob’s journey encapsulates the themes of redemption, forgiveness, grace, and the unbreakable bond of family, ultimately portraying that it is never too late to find one’s way back home.