Episode 66 - From Guilt to Grace~Hope for Moms of Addicted Children with Dawn Ward

Date: March 7, 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Dawn Ward

 

Episode Highlights:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In today’s powerful episode, we are honored to welcome Dawn Ward, a woman whose journey through pain, faith, and healing has inspired thousands. Dawn grew up in an alcoholic home, where her father was a functional alcoholic. As a child, she believed that keeping the peace meant striving for perfection, a mindset she carried into her marriage and parenting.

Life, however, took unexpected turns. One of Dawn's sons, after getting involved with the wrong crowd, became addicted to drugs. Wanting freedom, he voluntarily entered a rehabilitation program, found healing, and later helped others do the same. Her older son, following a significant surgery, developed an addiction to painkillers. These heartbreaking experiences led Dawn to a deeper relationship with Jesus, where she found peace, wisdom, and the grace to surrender control.

At God’s prompting, Dawn wrote her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, released in September 2024. She also founded an online support group for mothers of addicted children—a community that has grown to over 4,000 women seeking hope and encouragement. As the founder of Faith to Flourish, Dawn now speaks at conferences and retreats, reminding women that Jesus is faithful, even in the darkest moments.

Through it all, Dawn has come to embrace this truth: "Transform your painful places and persistent plateaus into purpose-filled spaces." She continues to walk alongside women facing similar struggles, helping them move from guilt to grace while discovering the healing power of God’s presence.

As Hebrews 4:12 (TPT) reminds us: "So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness."

 

About Dawn Ward:
Dawn Ward is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and certified biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry dedicated to supporting women with addicted loved ones and equipping all women of faith to live transformed lives through biblical teachings, mentoring, and resources. She is married to Steve and is the mother of three adult children. Her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, published in September 2024, is now available.

 

Book Spotlight: From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children

Are you a mother trying to cope with the painful reality of your adult child's addiction or self-destructive behaviors? Do you feel overwhelmed with fear, regret, and exhaustion from trying to save them?

You are not alone. Dawn Ward understands this journey firsthand. After years of striving, guilt, and heartbreak, she surrendered her will to God and found the peace and freedom of His redeeming grace.

From Guilt to Grace is a guide for mothers navigating the anguish of their child’s addiction. Through biblical truths and personal insights, you’ll uncover the lies keeping you trapped in guilt and shame while experiencing the transformative power of God’s grace to set you and your loved ones free.

 

Endorsement:
"From Guilt to Grace offers the kind of practical and spiritual guidance I wish I’d had on my painful journey." — Dena Yohe, Co-founder of Hope for Hurting Parents

 

Connect with Dawn Ward:
Website: www.thefaithtoflourish.com
Facebook: Faith to Flourish
Instagram: @thefaithtoflourishblog
YouTube: The Faith to Flourish with Dawn Ward
LinkedIn: Dawn Ward

 

Dawn’s journey is a beautiful testament to the power of surrender, trust, and God’s unwavering love. If you are walking through a difficult season, be encouraged—He is with you.