She Broke the Cycle
Paige Dumas on Healing, Sobriety & Motherhood
Paige Dumas, a contributor to Girls Anthem Magazine, sat down with us to share her powerful story of redemption. In seasons marked by heartbreak, alcohol, and the challenges of single motherhood, Paige found herself running on empty—until God met her right where she was. Now, a year into her journey of sobriety and intentional healing, she’s reflecting with deep gratitude on how God’s grace covered her, even in the moments she turned away. Her story is a beautiful reminder that healing is possible, wholeness is available, and God never stops pursuing His daughters.
Girls Anthem Magazine: What was the defining moment where you decided that you needed to honor Christ above culture?
Paige Dumas: The turning point came when I walked away from a relationship that had pulled me away from God and left me heartbroken and battling mild depression. In that season, I realized how much I had allowed culture to shape my choices instead of Christ. But God met me in the middle of that pain, He pulled me out and reminded me of who I was in Him. That experience made it clear: I couldn’t serve two masters. From that moment on, I knew I had to choose Christ over culture, no matter the cost.
GAM: How do you walk out your faith in seasons where you know logic makes more sense?
Paige Dumas: I’ve learned to wholeheartedly put my trust in God, especially when logic tries to take the lead. Logic might make sense in the moment, but I know from experience that leaning on my own understanding can lead me down a path of self-destruction. Faith doesn’t always feel safe, but it’s the only way I’ve found true peace. So even when it’s hard, I choose to follow God’s voice over what seems logical.
GAM: What are the practical mental and emotional steps you take to be sure that you stay in alignment?
Paige Dumas: For me, it starts in the morning. I dedicate that time to God, praying, reading the Word, and just inviting Him into my day. That quiet time helps center me and keeps me aligned with His will. I’ve also made working out a regular part of my routine. The gym has become a space where I release stress and stay grounded, both mentally and emotionally. It’s those consistent habits that help me stay focused and in alignment.
GAM: As a woman of faith, how have you managed comparison in seasons where you feel overlooked? How have you managed it in seasons where you were doing well (prosperous seasons)?
Paige Dumas: I’ve definitely had moments where I felt overlooked and caught myself comparing my journey to others. But whenever that happens, I remind myself that if I’m still in a certain season, it means there’s something God wants me to learn or feel before He elevates me. That truth keeps me grounded. It humbles me and helps me shift my focus, so I get back to work and stay faithful right where I am. Even in seasons where things are going well, I try to keep that same mindset: it’s not about comparison, it’s about staying in alignment with God’s timing.
GAM: What are your goals for generational faith building for you and your family? How are you reframing generational faith for your legacy?
Paige Dumas: One of my first goals was to relocate from my hometown, to build and sustain a life in a healthier environment where my boys could be exposed to bigger dreams, better systems, and opportunities that feel limitless. But beyond location, I’m intentional about what I instill in them. I always remind my sons that no matter what we gain—whether it’s wealth, knowledge, or even strong relationships—none of it will last without a real relationship with God. That’s the foundation I’m laying: breaking free from harmful mindsets and rebuilding legacy on truth, love, and faith that’s authentic.
GAM: What is one defining past experience that anchors you to God’s truth when all hell is breaking loose and the fight is just too much?
Paige Dumas: My move to California in 2015 is something I always go back to. It was a huge leap of faith, and I had no idea how things would unfold, but God showed up and showed out in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
GAM: What is your entertainment/pop culture diet and how do you manage it when God tells you that something has to go?
Paige Dumas: The moment I sense God telling me it’s time to let something go—whether it’s a show, song, or trend, I let it go without hesitation. I’ve had things in the past that held a strong grip on me, so now I recognize His redirection right away. I don’t argue with it. I know that if He’s asking me to release it, it’s for my protection and growth. That awareness keeps me sensitive to His voice, even in the small things.
GAM: With a husband and/or children, how do you walk in the grace and anointing God has placed on your life without compromising what He’s called you to steward?
Paige Dumas: No matter what God has called me to do, I’ve made a personal promise to always keep my family first. My calling is important, but not at the expense of the people He’s entrusted me to love and lead at home.
GAM: How have you navigated motherhood in a season where your personal identity as a daughter seems to be under attack (you’re a daughter of God before you’re a mother, wife, etc.)?
Paige Dumas: The thing that has always pulled me out of any hole is remembering that, no matter what I’m facing, I still have my children to raise. That responsibility gives me purpose and strength when I feel my identity is under attack. But I also know I can’t do it alone. My go-to has been calling on an accountability partner who helps pull me out of those dark places when I’m struggling. Holding onto both my identity as God’s daughter and my role as a mother has required community, prayer, and intentional support.
GAM: What recent vision did you have to lay down at the feet of Jesus because it was a good idea, but not a God idea? How did you manage your obedience?
Paige Dumas: About a year ago, I felt called to return to my hometown in Kansas City, Missouri, for a job opportunity focused on reducing alcohol and drug abuse. While it was a good idea, I realized it wasn’t a God idea, for now, because that environment was tied to my own struggles with addiction. God clearly told me the timing wasn’t right. Managing my obedience meant trusting His timing, even when it was hard to step back from something I was passionate about. I had to remind myself that surrender doesn’t mean giving up—it means waiting on God’s perfect plan.
GAM: What does your daily time with God look like in this season? How do you navigate it when your day gets off track (first thing in the morning, you’re thrown a curveball)?
Paige Dumas: My daily time with God usually starts with sitting in complete silence, with worship music playing softly in the background. I spend that first hour reading my Bible and having open, honest conversations with Him.
GAM: What advice would you give to women trying to maintain their faith while pursuing ambitious career goals? How do you access and manage the bag without losing yourself or compromising your relationship with Christ?
My advice to women chasing big dreams, something I’ve been through myself, is to always make God the center of it all. Exalt Him above every idea, goal, or even the “bag.” No matter how much we chase different opportunities or avenues, keeping God front and center is what creates the healthy balance we need. When He’s the foundation, we can pursue success without losing ourselves or compromising our faith.
GAM: How have you built a faith community in this season and how do you engage with them during seasons that are a whirlwind? In what ways have you had to adapt and fight for community, even when saying, “I’m too busy,” is easier to say?
Paige Dumas: One thing I’m really focusing on right now is building a consistent faith-based community because I’ve realized that’s the missing piece in my life. Even when life gets overwhelming and saying “I’m too busy” feels easier, I’m learning to fight for that connection.
GAM: As a mother, you’ve been working hard to break generational trauma off your bloodline. When did you realize that you needed to do this? What was the pivotal moment that changed everything?
Paige Dumas: It became very clear to me after several failed relationships, and finally experiencing one good one, that I had to let go because that person had become an idol in my life. In that moment, I realized that relational struggles weren’t just my own, they were a generational curse in my family. The patterns of difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships had been passed down, and I knew I had to break that cycle for my kids and myself.
GAM: What are some of the prayers that you pray over your sons that you can share with other mothers?
Paige Dumas: I pray the prayer of protection over my boys every day. As they grow up in this world, I ask God to help them walk in integrity, no matter who they’re around or what they face, that they’ll always remember what His Word says about them. I also pray that in every circumstance, good or bad, they will never forget that God will never leave them nor forsake them. That truth is their anchor, and I want it to shape their identity as they navigate life.
GAM: What have been some of the challenges that you’ve faced raising your sons that you weren’t expecting, and how have you dealt with them?
Paige Dumas: One of the most recent challenges has been navigating their transition into puberty and the stronger emotions that come with it. I knew this season would come, but the real question has been how to stay present and provide a safe space as a mother, even when the topics feel uncomfortable. To handle this, I often seek wise counsel, from their father or the men in my life, so I can navigate my role effectively. At the same time, I want to reflect my walk with God in how I respond, balancing strength and grace.
GAM: Were you prepared to become a mom when you did? Why or why not?
Paige Dumas: I don’t believe I was fully prepared to be a mom when the time came. But the moment I saw my first newborn, something inside me, the protector and provider, immediately kicked in. To some extent, I was prepared because I grew up as the only girl among four boys. That came with a lot of responsibility and also helped shape my nurturing nature. Still, motherhood has been a learning journey every step of the way.
GAM: How does your day-to-day go as it pertains to your spiritual routine and breaking things off your bloodline?
Paige Dumas: My days are filled with listening to sermons and podcasts focused on breaking generational cycles. I’m also in constant communication with God—praying, seeking guidance, and staying connected throughout the day. This spiritual routine helps me stay grounded and intentional about breaking the patterns in my family’s bloodline.
GAM: What does grace look like for you on the days you fall short as a mother or in your sobriety journey?
Paige Dumas: Grace for me is essential on the days I feel emotionally distraught, the moments when I used to self-medicate with alcohol. Now that sobriety is my path, those tough moments require even more grace. I have to be gentle with myself, allowing space to feel, heal, and keep moving forward without judgment.
GAM: How have your relationships (family, friends, etc.) changed since you chose sobriety and a new path for your family?
Paige Dumas: Since choosing sobriety, my relationships have changed tremendously. I’ve outgrown many friendships because we no longer share the same values or lifestyles. But the relationships I do have now—including with my family—are deeper and more meaningful. Sobriety has made me more intentional and present, which helps me truly appreciate the unique value each person brings to my life, both individually and together.
GAM: What legacy do you want to leave for your sons, and how does that shape your choices today?
Paige Dumas: The legacy I am most firm and adamant about is keeping my boys’ relationship rooted and grounded in Christ, not just as talkers, but as doers. I want every habit, fear, doubt, or distraction to be overcome, so nothing hinders their walk with God. That’s why I’m committed to doing the work myself—to become living proof of what faith looks like in action.
GAM: Have there been moments when your sons’ love or words reminded you why you chose this path? Can you share one?
Paige Dumas: There was a moment when my boys were about 9 and 11 years old. They were holding medicine cups and pretending to “take shots” with their juice. I asked them why they were doing that, and they said, “Because you guys have so much fun when you take a shot.” At that moment, I knew I had to be honest with them. I explained that for me, alcoholism was really an antidepressant disguised as a “good time,” but it was actually just a cover-up. That conversation reminded me why I had to choose this path of sobriety and healing for them and for myself.
GAM: If you could talk to the younger version of yourself before motherhood and sobriety, what would you say to her?
Paige Dumas: I would tell the younger Paige that you are enough—God made you exactly as you are for a reason. Stop second-guessing yourself and trying to fit in. Focus on healing and growing first because the boys will be there through it all. Take care of you, and everything else will follow.
At 34, Paige Dumas is not only walking a transformative path of sobriety but also actively shaping her future. She’s studying Psychology and Mental Health to deepen her understanding of healing, while thriving as a beauty expert, stylist, and part-time esthetician. Paige encourages us all to stop defining ourselves by our struggles and instead embrace our growth—and, most importantly, our true identity in Christ. God doesn’t call you by your shame or your past; He calls you by name, full of purpose and promise. Her journey is a powerful reminder that no matter where you’ve been, God is always ready to rewrite your story. Follow her at @frontpaigebeauty and @paigeous on IG.