For many of us, finding a support group has been the single most important step we have taken in our recovery. Isolation is one of the most powerful and damaging effects of addiction and abuse. Participating in a support group can begin to reduce that isolation. It doesn't happen all at once - most of us have learned how to stay isolated even when we are in groups! But it can happen. And it can be … [Read more...] about Finding a Group
Search Results for: Recovery from spiritual abuse
N.T. Overview: Gospels
There are a number of themes in the gospel narratives that are relevant to recovery from abuse. Peace/Nonviolence The birth of Jesus takes place in a pervasively violent context. The Roman military occupies Palestine. Shortly after Jesus' birth Herod orders a mass execution of children. ((Matt 2:16-18)) In spite of this the message from God in the coming of Jesus is about peace: 13 Suddenly a … [Read more...] about N.T. Overview: Gospels
Asking for Help
by Dale & Juanita Ryan The God of the Bible is a God who saves and heals. The Bible is clear about this: "He will deliver the needy who cry out, he will rescue them from oppression and violence." (Psalm 72: 12 &14) When we see our need, acknowledge our inability to save ourselves, and cry out, God delivers us. God rescues us from oppression and violence. Whether it is the oppression and … [Read more...] about Asking for Help
Holy Hunger
An Interview with Margaret Bullitt-Jonas Margaret Bullitt-Jonas is the author of Holy Hunger: A Memoir of Desire (New York: Knopf, 1999). She is an Episcopal priest who serves as Associate Rector of All Saints Parish, Brookline, Mass., and as a Lecturer at Episcopal Divinity School. … [Read more...] about Holy Hunger
Nashville Regional Conference
Facing Addiction/Supporting Recovery WHEN March 31 – April 1, 2017 -- Begins Friday at 7PM and ends Saturday at 4PM WHERE Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Rd., Brentwood TN 37027. Lunch provided on Saturday, with snacks morning and afternoon PRESENTERS Plenary presentation by Nate Larkin, author of Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood . … [Read more...] about Nashville Regional Conference
Beating the Pedestal Syndrome: Help for Pastors Drowning in the Ministry
by Dale O. Wolery and Dale S. Ryan It doesn't seem that complicated. He is drowning, arms flailing. Throw him a rope. If he grabs the rope, pull him out. Simple. Rescue complete. But in real life it seldom works that simply. There are complications. Lots of them. … [Read more...] about Beating the Pedestal Syndrome: Help for Pastors Drowning in the Ministry
Christian Recovery
by Dale Ryan I have a friend who insists that "Christian Recovery" is oxymoronic. "It's like 'military intelligence' or LA's 'rapid transit' district", he says, "the words are inherently contradictory". Like a great many people, my friend has had so many Bible verses thrown with casual indifference at his pain, that he can't imagine the Christian faith being … [Read more...] about Christian Recovery
Center for 12 Step Recovery
It's not the twelve ideas. Not the twelve doctrines. Not the twelve convictions. It is a collection of twelve recommended behaviors which members of Alcoholics Anonymous have found to be helpful. Whether you are new to a twelve step program or an old-timer, we hope that you will find something here that will help you to do the spiritual practices which are recommended in the twelve … [Read more...] about Center for 12 Step Recovery
Cleaning House: Confession and Sexual Addiction
by William R. Until shortly over six years ago, I was unwilling to concede to my inner most self that I was a sex addict. That recognition did not fully come until I accepted the fact that I belonged in a 12 Step group for people in recovery from sexual addiction. Here I found people who understood the nature of the problem that had plagued me for thirty-two years. Here were people who had … [Read more...] about Cleaning House: Confession and Sexual Addiction
Chapter 2: The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship to Christianity
It is well known that the twelve-step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous has become the model for many other popular, lay-managed programs of treatment targeted at people with addictions, compulsions, or dependencies. These conditions include nicotine abuse, narcotics and cocaine abuse, compulsive eating and gambling. Alcoholics Anonymous estimate there are now more than 87,000 A.A. groups … [Read more...] about Chapter 2: The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship to Christianity