Wings of Glory: The Stories behind the Songs

My purpose in writing the songs and stories for Wings of Glory was threefold. First, I wanted to inspire my son with confidence that he could break free from addiction’s chains of bondage. Second, I wanted to help each of my children, my husband, and myself heal from the pain and sorrow we have endured as a family over the years. Third, I wanted to reach out with a message of hope to all people who have suffered from the devastation and despair of addiction.

Each song has a heart-wrenching story behind it. Each song came at the cost of great personal pain. Each song speaks the truth.

Telling my story has never been easy. It is difficult to share things I would rather forget. Many times I have wondered if I really wanted my story to be made public. But something within me said I must.

My hope is that all who listen to these songs and read these stories may have their burdens lifted as they gain inspiration and courage to make real changes in their own lives.


	Wings of Glory: The Story behind the Songs—a companion book to the CD Wings of Glory: Songs of Hope and Healing from Addiction—is a collection of stories telling why I wrote each song. In the book, I also explain five elements of recovery and twelve suggestions for families and friends. Several years ago one of my sons became involved with drugs and alcohol. Helplessly, I watched him struggle as he went from the experimental stage of drug abuse to becoming completely addicted. Year after year I saw his frustration and his hopelessness as he continued to relapse, even though he tried to change his life-style and stay away from drugs and alcohol. As I agonized over my son’s pain, I sought for answers as to how he could ever be free from the progressive disease of addiction. Over the years, I came to believe that people must have five elements of recovery in their lives to break free from the cycle of addiction:
	1. The Desire to Change 2. A Structured Recovery Program 3. Unconditional Love from Their Families 4. Strong, Supportive, Drug-free Friends 5. Faith in God’s Healing Power I go into greater detail about these five elements in my book. Click here for "Twelve Suggestions for Family and Friends"		Click here to read an excerpt from the book: "Reaching Out"
	My purpose in writing the songs and stories for Wings of Glory was threefold. First, I wanted to inspire my son with confidence that he could break free from addiction’s chains of bondage. Second, I wanted to help each of my children, my husband, and myself heal from the pain and sorrow we have endured as a family over the years. Third, I wanted to reach out with a message of hope to all people who have suffered from the devastation and despair of addiction. Each song has a heart-wrenching story behind it. Each song came at the cost of great personal pain. Each song speaks the truth. Telling my story has never been easy. It is difficult to share things I would rather forget. Many times I have wondered if I really wanted my story to be made public. But something within me said I must. My hope is that all who listen to these songs and read these stories may have their burdens lifted as they gain inspiration and courage to make real changes in their own lives. My message is simple: Never give up. —Kristine Litster Fales
	Kristine Litster Fales and her husband, David, have lived with their children in many cities throughout the United States . Her creative writing has been greatly influenced by her family, the many people she has come to know across the country, and her diverse geographical experiences. As a mother, and now a grandmother, she has always felt a deep love for children and a great desire to help strengthen families. She is the principal writer and executive producer of the CD Wings of Glory: Songs of Hope and Healing from Addiction and author of its companion book, Wings of Glory: The Story behind the Songs. Kristine has an Associate of Arts Degree in University Studies with an emphasis in Child Development and Family Relations.