Addiction and Recovery

Behind every addiction statistic lies a deep personal story of struggle and hope.  For most people in recovery, the narrative is a constantly evolving process. Recovery is never a steady climb that leads to a successful life, but rather a continual up and down development that is fraught with pitfalls, and relapses.  For every inspirational story of someone in recovery, there is another person still in crisis. 

The good news is that with the right mindset, and the right support, addiction can be beaten.  While it may be a monster seeking to devour its participants, the one thing addiction cannot take away is the will. 

Kathy is an example of the resilience it takes to overcome addiction.  This is her story. 

Kathy was an extreme substance abuser, and a divorced mother of two.  Shortly after her divorce, Kathy lost her younger brother to an overdose.  Her brother had worshiped the ground Kathy walked on, so the guilt she felt for setting a bad example for him was overwhelming.  After her brother passed, Kathy lost her children due to her struggles with drug addiction.  The pain of separation from her kids increased her guilt level to unimaginable heights.  Her mental health was severely affected, and she became suicidal. 

Finally, Kathy got sick and tired of being sick and tired, so she decided to enter a rehab facility.  Once she got there, she was laser focused about staying clean.  She slipped a few times, but every relapse served to increase her desire to lead a better life. 

Over the last couple of years, Kathy has become a pillar of strength and a leader in the recovery community.  She has regained her children, and she is coping with life without drugs.  She has found solace and support in the ladies’ group at the church she now attends and is learning to handle the complexities of guilt.   

Through her faith-based approach to recovery, Kathy has discovered a holistic approach to healing that has helped her regain her sense of self.   Her faith has provided her with a lifeline to the power of love and a connection for healing her mind and soul. 

Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”  This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual connection with Jesus.  Just as branches draw sustenance and life from the vine, we can only bear fruit and experience spiritual growth when we remain connected to Christ. 

As we begin a new year, my prayer for CityLinC is that we will all set aside time in our busy schedules to align our productivity with His will.  As an organization, may we all live fruitful lives marked by love, joy, and inner peace, with God and with each other.       

With love,

Pastor Mike Howard