Recovery Road
Share
I think there is a stigma when you tell others you are a part of Celebrate Recovery. Somehow when the word “recovery” echoes from your lips others are momentarily quieted and a puzzled look crosses their face. "Recovery? Why are you in a recovery program?" They usually ask. I believe the world has taught us that recovery is only a word used to describe addicts or alcoholics. That somehow the rest of the world doesn’t fit in with the category of help that requires recovery. Oh, but it does. Let me explain…
If you are alive and roaming this earth you have been hurt, hung up on something, or have a habit that is preventing you from walking in your full potential. You have suffered past trauma, abuse, death of a loved one, divorce, adultery, co-dependency, panic attacks, depression, fears, isolation, control issues, abandonment, and yes; of course, alcohol or substance addiction. You would be surprised at how much you relate to some of these people; how much you find you nod your head in agreement while they tell their story knowing it sounds so much like yours. These people aren’t just random addicts! They are people just like you , and some may even be your family, friends, neighbors, or the person sitting next to you at church!
I decided a little over 9 months ago to go back to CR thinking it would help someone else in their journey. Little did I know that it would completely turn my own life around. In a few short weeks, I will have completed our 12-step program, and the knowledge that it gave me has impacted me in ways I never thought. I have grown in my walk with the Lord and have seen Him completely change circumstances! I have been able to make connections to past traumas that even therapy didn’t uncover, and I have grown in my ability to set healthy boundaries. I have also learned to listen to my anxiety and understand that sometimes it is trying to tell me that something is actually off! I have also stopped my vicious cycle of isolation and made several lifelong friends. The relationships formed with some of these people are true genuine friendships. These relationships are built on trust and the knowledge of your true self! These people will love you for you and accept you as you are. No shame, no guilt, no judgment! No one is there to fix you, but they will absolutely walk beside you as you take the journey to allow God to heal you!
I know some of you have said that you have been hurt by the church. That you didn’t want to go or stopped going because of past situations. While I understand your statement and your hurt, there is so much to be still to be said. Churches do sometimes hurt others, but that is because they are filled with people just like you and me! People are not perfect; they are broken and hurting! We are all broken in some way due to an imperfect world, but we serve a PERFECT God who wants to step in and heal those hurt places. If you aren’t ready to step back into Sunday’s services, please let me invite you to Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights. I would love to sit with you and talk, and also introduce you to some others who would love to get you plugged in! We have a place for you!!
Please feel free to message me for details and check out our page at Celebrate Recovery at Northwood Baptist Church located at Northwood Baptist Church on Greenridge Road!
Love, Brandi