by Matt Russell After I experienced some sobriety from my primary addiction it became clear that there were a lot of other processes that I was addicted to—ways of thinking and acting that fed my main addiction. One of those sub-addictions rans deep underneath the radar of my life. … [Read more...] about Approval Addiction and Identity
Search Results for: spiritual abuse
Finding a Church to Support Your Recovery
Because recovery is a spiritual journey, it will result in spiritual changes as well as emotional and physical ones. That is one reason, among many, why having a supportive faith community during recovery can be helpful. In addition to the resources of a therapist and/or a support group, having a safe community of people with whom to worship and learn can be a big help. … [Read more...] about Finding a Church to Support Your Recovery
Preface: Ron’s Story and Valerie’s Story
Ron's Story Being in recovery from addiction, I am one of a multitude of people who owe their existence to God's grace and healing love expressed through the encouragement and support of many friends in recovery. Much of my childhood was spent trying to survive the effects that my parents' emotional isolation, abuse and addiction had on … [Read more...] about Preface: Ron’s Story and Valerie’s Story
Renewing Our Minds as Prayer
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 As we move away from prayers that are rote, prayers that are performances, prayers that are attempts to appease or change God and we move into a life of prayer in which we are broken and open hearted, something begins to happen. We begin to encounter God. We begin to experience conscious contact … [Read more...] about Renewing Our Minds as Prayer
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
Dealing with Your Dark Side: Part 3
Making Sense of the Insanity by Patrick Means Another respected Christian leader has an affair (this time, radio Bible teacher David Hocking). Another spasm of shock shudders through the Christian community. Over and over, we Christians are shocked and surprised when "good" people do "bad" things. But Scripture makes it clear that we all possess a dark side, despite our faith in Christ. … [Read more...] about Dealing with Your Dark Side: Part 3
Renewing our Minds as Prayer
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 As we move away from prayers that are rote, prayers that are performances, prayers that are attempts to appease or change God and we move into a life of prayer in which we are broken and open hearted, something begins to happen. We begin to encounter God. We begin to experience conscious contact … [Read more...] about Renewing our Minds as Prayer
Renewing our Minds as Prayer
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 As we move away from prayers that are rote, prayers that are performances, prayers that are attempts to appease or change God and we move into a life of prayer in which we are broken and open hearted, something begins to happen. We begin to encounter God. We begin to experience conscious contact … [Read more...] about Renewing our Minds as Prayer
Good Self or Bad Self?
Christians sometimes say incredibly negative things about the human person. The line in the hymn "Amazing Grace" about 'for such a worm as I' is just the tip of a very large iceberg of resistance toward saying anything positive about our human condition. The God of the Bible seems to have a more nuanced view. After creating humans, God summarized his handiwork by saying "it was very good." ((Gen. … [Read more...] about Good Self or Bad Self?
Grieving the Losses in 12 Step Recovery
by Pat Means I am ill because of wounds to the soul, to the deep emotional self and the wounds to the soul take a long, long time, only time can help and patience, and a certain difficult repentance long, difficult repentance, realization of life's mistake, and the freeing oneself from the endless repetition of the mistake which mankind at large has chosen to sanctify. "Healing" D.H. … [Read more...] about Grieving the Losses in 12 Step Recovery