The year our oldest son dropped out of high school and became an addict was a very dark and difficult year for us. It was also a time of deeper exposure to life’s most important lessons. I didn’t fully realize it until much later, but it was during that anguished time that I gained a greater understanding of humility, honesty, courage, trust and grace. In this week’s post I want to share with you … [Read more...] about What I Learned While Our Son Was Still Using Drugs: Part IV
Search Results for: shame
Tear Washed
Ancient words devoutly sung stung my heart today. “Sin had left a crimson stain you washed me white as snow.” New thoughts flung old meanings away. Could this image apply to the stain on my soul inflicted by another’s sin condemning me to wander barren earth in shame? How would you wash such stains? I long to believe you would wash them with your tears. Your angry, tender tears. Oh God, cry over … [Read more...] about Tear Washed
Innocent
“Innocent.” You speak this word to a young, frightened part of me. You give me to this word, to this wonder. Innocent. No condemnation for being small, weak, powerless. No judgment for needing, wanting to be loved. No burden of blame for crimes committed by others. Innocent. Shame carried away by Another. Soul-washed in the tears of God. Innocent. “Hear this deeply,” you whisper. “Fall into … [Read more...] about Innocent
Innocent
“Innocent.” You speak this word to a young, frightened part of me. You give me to this word, to this wonder. Innocent. No condemnation for being small, weak, powerless. No judgment for needing, wanting to be loved. No burden of blame for crimes committed by others. Innocent. Shame carried away by Another. Soul-washed in the tears of God. Innocent. “Hear this deeply,” you whisper. “Fall into … [Read more...] about Innocent
Stages Model
The most common approach to thinking/feeling about the process of recovery from trauma or abuse is to conceptualize it as working through a series of stages. Herman summaries several such models at different historical periods in a helpful table (Judith L. Herman, Trauma and Recovery, BasicBooks, 1991, p 156]: SyndromeStage OneStage TwoStage ThreeHysteria(Janet 1889)Stabilization, … [Read more...] about Stages Model
The Art of Sponsorship: beyond the basics
by Margaret Bullitt-Jonas Ask people with a long stretch of recovery what contributes to their capacity to live without relapse, and it's likely that many of them will mention sponsoring and being sponsored. The tool of sponsorship is one of the great gifts of the Twelve Step program, bearing an extraordinary power to turn a person's life around. Just about anyone in recovery can tell a story … [Read more...] about The Art of Sponsorship: beyond the basics
The Promises and Pitfalls of Congregation Based Support Groups
by Dale S. Ryan Introduction Support groups are becoming a common part of the life of local churches as congregations learn of their importance in the recovery process. Many congregational leaders recognize, however, that the process of starting and maintaining support groups may not be easy. Support groups are not some kind of magical programmatic fix for the ills of modern life. On the … [Read more...] about The Promises and Pitfalls of Congregation Based Support Groups
Recovery 102: Theological Considerations
It might be more honest if this class were titled: "Theological Provocations". It is my intent to provoke you to think theologically. The process of recovery is, at its core, about spiritual change. As you sometimes hear: "Talking about the spiritual part of the program is like talking about the wet part of the ocean". Because recovery is rooted in spiritual change, theological concerns will turn … [Read more...] about Recovery 102: Theological Considerations
When You Are Ready To Try Again: Going Back to Church
by Jeff VanVonderen When we were born we had no idea what was in store for us in our physical family. And we had nothing to say about the behaviors, character traits, or priorities of our biological family. None of us could choose what our family would be like. But what if it weren't impossible? What if we did have a choice? What if, prior to actually becoming part of a family, we were given … [Read more...] about When You Are Ready To Try Again: Going Back to Church
Being Blessed by God as Prayer
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16 Sometimes prayer is receiving God’s blessing. Sometimes prayer is allowing Jesus to gently place his hands on us and speak words of blessing over us. To bless someone is to envision a positive future for them. It is to speak of the promise of God’s care and provision throughout their lives. We often envision … [Read more...] about Being Blessed by God as Prayer
