I am so glad you're here. In case you're joining me for the first time, let me introduce myself. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Veterans Health Administration and I'm the Celebrate Recovery (CR) Ministry Leader at Live Oak Church in Hinesville, GA. Did you know that CR is a Christ-centered recovery program? People are surprised to hear that they can receive help and support while overcoming any hurt, habit or hang up. And by the way, it’s not just for people struggling with drugs or alcohol---but for anyone struggling.
In February, two of our leaders taught the CR Lessons 3: Hope, and 4: Sanity. We covered Principle 2, Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover. “Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4); and Step 2, We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13).
So, when was the last time you felt hopeless or felt like you needed to be restored to sanity? If we're honest, it could have been quite recent…or maybe that’s the current status. Feeling like there is no hope or like I need a restoration to order (mentally, emotionally…) should only be temporary and not permanent. Why? Because John 10:10 states, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come, that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” At CR, our Higher Power is Jesus and these are His words. There’s nothing too hard for Him to do. Whenever I encounter difficult situations, I have to remind myself to walk by faith and not by sight. My hope is in Jesus and I want others to see that I am living in that hope.
At CR, we begin each group and step study meetings with songs of worship. Why? The worship time is one component that sets us apart from other 12-Step programs. Worship helps us take our focus off our problems and focus on THE problem solver. Whatever I focus on more becomes magnified in my life. The more I focus on my issues, the bigger they seem and the bigger they appear. However, when I focus more on what the Bible says, I will find myself more hopeful and in my right mind. I will also be an example to others I meet.
That's it for this month, but if you want to learn more about CR or you just need to come and see for yourself, visit www.celebraterecovery.com and select Locator to find a group near you. If you’re in the area, we meet at 296 Live Oak Church Rd, Hinesville GA, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Mondays. We'd love to have you!
If you have any questions, reach out. Let’s communicate. I’m here to encourage, inspire and motivate. Praying for you 🙏🏽