The pastors of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, shared their heartfelt journey after losing their daughter to alcohol abuse.
Pastor Ed And Lisa Young Shares Story
Two years ago, Pastors Ed and Lisa Young received the most heartbreaking news about their beloved daughter, LeeBeth. Unexpectedly, she passed away at the age of 34.
The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2023). Couple Clings to Joy After Losing Daughter, Retrieved November 22, 2023 from: https://youtu.be/n1tvBX56mAY
On “The 700 Club,” the pastors shared their story with the host, Terry Meeuwsen. The two shared their story to the world, trusting that God would use their pain for His glory. Terry remarked that the topic was a hard thing “to talk about” during the interview. But they were determined as to how God would use it for others. They even wrote a book called “A Path Through Pain.”
Pastor Ed began by sharing about LeeBeth. He recalled how “she was a great girl” who grew up in church. And at a young age, she came to know Jesus. LeeBeth was also “a model student.” And eventually, she responded to God’s calling in the ministry and served in the church. For many years, LeeBeth served God until a tragic event rocked their family.
Daughter’s Alcohol Abuse
Meanwhile, her mom, Lisa, recalled that LeeBeth started having signs of anxiety and depression. But it began a full-blown issue after she had two failed dating relationships. That’s when “she began self-medicating with alcohol.”
The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2023). Couple Clings to Joy After Losing Daughter, Retrieved November 22, 2023 from: https://youtu.be/n1tvBX56mAY
During LeeBeth’s first episode, she confessed to her mom and eventually told her dad. “She wasn’t a party girl,” Lisa remarked, “she was a secret binge drinker.” Soon after, LeeBeth asked for help and found ways to heal from the addiction. She joined a 12-step program and got sober. But her body wasn’t able to handle the withdrawal well.
One day, the couple discovered that LeeBeth had relapsed again. Ed then took his daughter to a Christian therapist. He left her for a while in one of their rooms. But unexpectedly, LeeBeth was already gone when he returned.
How did Pastors Ed and Lisa respond to the heartbreaking moment? Listen to the full story in the video below.
Reference | The 700 Club
Header Image: The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2023). Couple Clings to Joy After Losing Daughter, Retrieved November 22, 2023 from: https://youtu.be/n1tvBX56mAY