Are you new here? Welcome! Thank you for joining me.
I’m Charlene Stevens-Jenkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with the Veterans Health Administration, and the Celebrate Recovery (CR) Ministry Leader at Live Oak Church, Hinesville GA.
While I was writing, I couldn't help but reflect on the concept of being free as I've enjoyed this very special month. I attended a Juneteenth Festival at the Historic Dorchester Center in Midway, GA. I spent time with my family as we celebrated my Dad on Father’s Day, and my birthday since I was born on Juneteenth. (Yes! I’m grateful for another year). And, I have to mention the powerful Father’s Day message by Bishop Israel Aaron Cowart, “Loose Him and Let Him Go,” John 11:38-44. He gave so much insight into what was happening then and now. If you weren't in attendance that Sunday, I highly recommend you hit the replay on Facebook.
Then on Monday, the federal holiday recognizing Juneteenth, our Celebrate Recovery group met and I taught CR Lesson 12: Confess. When we celebrate Juneteenth, we recognize the release and freedom of enslaved Africans, especially those living in Galveston, Texas who were kept in the dark about their freedom until two years later. Juneteenth was the beginning! Slavery was and is wrong, and we Praise God for freedom!
At CR, our study drew our attention to the freedom of confession. What does confession have to do with freedom? ‘Confess’ means to admit a fault, crime or debt. There is freedom in admitting. We set ourselves free to move and become all God created us to be. Have you recognized the common theme? Freedom. There is certainly a resounding connection between freedom and confession. Once you confess a thing you are free from the bondage of it. Any lie, internal or external, is a hindrance to freedom.
Are you free? You can be. You don't have to be kept in the dark by any lie.
Want to join us? We are still on Principle 4 and just began Step 5, “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
The Celebrate Recovery Leader’s Guide states that we are only as sick as our secrets. The key is to find a trusted accountability partner, sponsor or mentor. That person can help you find the freedom you need as you work through your hurts, habits and hang ups.
Got Freedom? You can be free. Visit celebraterecovery.com and select ‘Locator’ to find a group near you. If you have any questions, DM me. Let’s communicate. I’m here to encourage, inspire, and motivate. I’m praying for you.
