Hope in Recovery: Recent Episodes
Fellowship CR
Hope in Recovery: A Fellowship CR Podcast shares hope and healing for our mental, spiritual, emotional and relational journey through life change stories and recovery topics, centered on Christ and the Celebrate Recovery principles.
Rodney Holmstrom and Andy Petry explore attachment theory, asking a foundational question: What do I assume God feels when I come to His mind? Through the lens of secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles, they examine how early relational experiences shape not only our connections with others but also our relationship with God. The conversation challenges listeners to understand their emotional patterns without turning them into identity labels and invites a deeper trust in God's unwavering love—beyond performance, fear, or shame.
In this episode, we sit down with Ailee, a college ministry leader, for an honest conversation about her own journey of healing and how it’s shaped her heart for the next generation. She shares how tools like counseling and Celebrate Recovery helped her walk through struggles with pride, control, and isolation—and how that experience now informs the way she supports college-aged women in their own battles.Together, we talk about the growing awareness among young adults of their struggles, the challenges they face in seeking help, and how Celebrate Recovery offers a Christ-centered community where they can find real hope and freedom.
In Part Two of this series, journaling is explored as a meaningful tool for spiritual growth and recovery. This episode emphasizes journaling as a private, intentional practice — not for performance, but for processing, healing, and deepening connection with God.The episode also highlights some of the real, tangible benefits of journaling, like reduced stress, better sleep, and improved emotional health. Whether writing prayers, copying Scripture, or simply making space to reflect, journaling remains a powerful tool for growth.
In this episode, we explore the spiritual discipline of journaling as a powerful tool for recovery, growth, and deeper connection with God. Whether you love journaling or feel resistant to it, self-reflection is a vital practice— helping us process our thoughts, prevent relapse, and remember how God has moved in our lives.
In this episode, we sit down with Kyle — a gifted storyteller and church video producer — as he shares his deeply personal journey through pain, secrecy, and transformation. From childhood eye trauma and shame to battling perfectionism and anger as an adult, Kyle opens up about how Celebrate Recovery helped him confront hidden wounds, find healing, and embrace vulnerability. This is a story of God's tenacious grace, the power of community, and what happens when we finally stop hiding.
In this powerful episode of Hope in Recovery, we explore Jesus’ Parable of the Soils and how it reflects our personal recovery journeys. Whether our hearts are hardened, shallow, choked by worry, or ready for growth, God meets us where we are.Only God can transform the soul—healing past wounds, deepening our roots, and clearing the clutter that holds us back. Through His truth and grace, and with tools like Celebrate Recovery, lasting change is possible. No matter your starting point, there is hope in recovery.
In this episode, we explore two common extremes that can derail our recovery journey: legalism and permissivism. One turns life into a rigid list of dos and don’ts, while the other excuses unhealthy behaviors in the name of grace. Both can stem from a desire to avoid shame — but neither leads to true freedom.We unpack how: Legalism ties our worth to perfect behavior and fuels pride. Permissivism downplays sin and keeps us stuck in old patterns. A relationship with Jesus offers something better: grace that transformsThis conversation is about finding the balance — understanding that while our actions matter, they’re not what save us. God’s design for life, recovery, and relationship is more freeing than either ditch.
In this episode of Hope in Recovery, we explore the deep and often painful process of letting go of old wounds and character defects. Drawing from the story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32, we ask: Am I wrestling against God, or clinging to Him in my pain?Sometimes the pain we face is chronic—familiar, lingering, and easy to settle into, even though it keeps us stuck. Other times, it’s acute—a sharp pain that signals it’s time to grow. In both cases, God isn’t surprised. He meets us in our pain, not to leave us there, but to lead us into healing.
We’re continuing the conversation about adult children of dysfunctional families and the unhealthy survival strategies many of us develop in those environments. In this episode, Rodney returns for part two of this powerful discussion. He unpacks how Celebrate Recovery creates a safe, Christ-centered space rooted in biblical truth and a proven process that helps us understand and release old dysfunctional patterns—and ultimately embrace our true identity in Christ.
As we begin our recovery journey, we often gain new insight into how dysfunctional our family systems may have been growing up. In response to these environments, many of us developed survival strategies—ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that once helped us get through painful circumstances, but may now be keeping us stuck.In this episode, Rodney unpacks these common survival strategies and how they shape our lives. By recognizing where they come from and how they show up today, we can begin to experience lasting transformation. Discover how Celebrate Recovery offers a path toward healing, freedom, and a healthier future.
In this episode of Hope in Recovery, Michael introduces Eldon, the new Worship Leader at Celebrate Recovery Rogers. Eldon shares his story—from battling hidden struggles, to finding true safety and healing in Christ. Hear how God used Celebrate Recovery as a tool to bring transformation in his life, marriage, parenting, and worship leadership within the safety of authentic community.
Have you ever tried to push through life on your own strength—only to end up feeling disconnected, numb, or isolated? In this episode, we explore the life-changing power of connection: with God, with others, and even with ourselves.We talk about what it really means to move closer to Jesus through community and how Celebrate Recovery helps bridge the gap between self-reliance and surrender. From personal stories of living in denial and disconnection to finding healing through confession, service, and safe relationships, this episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do life alone.
In this second part of our series, we dig deeper into the role of acceptance in the journey toward peace. Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, we explore how denial—of pain, of reality, or of our own limitations—can keep us stuck, while acceptance opens the door to transformation. Through reflection and biblical truth, they consider how embracing what is, rather than resisting it, is a courageous step of faith that leads to genuine peace.
This episode is the first of a two-part series exploring the surprising connection between hardship and peace. Through the lens of the Serenity Prayer and Scripture, we challenge the idea that a “perfect” life should be free from suffering—and contrast it with the reality that Jesus, who is perfect, endured the greatest hardship of all. In this conversation, we reflect honestly on how true peace is found not in avoiding pain, but in walking through it with God.
In this episode, we explore the importance of being an active and wise participant in Celebrate Recovery—especially for leaders. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:12 and Jesus’ example, we discuss why showing up, modeling vulnerability, and living with humility and service are key to authentic leadership in recovery.
In this episode, David Attebery looks back on 15 years of leading worship, walking with others through recovery, and living life in authentic community. You’ll hear memories, stories, and reflections on what made those years so meaningful. He’s not retiring—he’s being redeployed—and his story is a powerful testament to the impact of serving faithfully and living honestly.
Hudson grew up in a small-town spotlight, hiding deep struggles with addiction, shame, and loneliness. But in his lowest moments, God met him with love through unexpected people. Now honest, free, and full of purpose, Hudson shares his journey from isolation to hope — and the joy of helping others find healing too.
Surrender isn’t about giving up—it’s about letting go of what’s not working. In this episode, you’ll hear how admitting the need for God can bring real peace and healing. Trying to control everything only adds to the struggle but trusting God with what you’re holding onto opens the door to recovery.
This episode explores the difference between codependency and healthy, Christ-centered leadership. We discuss how to lead others toward wholeness without losing boundaries, and why true leadership is rooted in God's calling—not the need for approval.
In this episode, Sarah shares her journey with anxiety, depression, and the belief that struggling meant weakness. She opens up about the lies that kept her stuck and the turning point toward healing.The conversation explores how anxiety affects the brain, the cost of suppressing emotions, and the strength found in seeking help.
In this episode, we continue our exploration of how Satan attempts to sabotage our recovery. One powerful tactic he uses is the lie that we’ve sinned too much to be healed—that our past disqualifies us from restoration. But is that true? Join us as we uncover the truth about grace, redemption, and the boundless healing available to us, no matter our history.
One of the enemy's most powerful tactics is convincing us that honesty will lead to our downfall—that if we tell the truth, everything we value will crumble, and nothing will ever be good again. It’s a trap that keeps us isolated and stuck in shame. In this episode, we expose that lie and dive into why honesty is not only essential for healing, but also a weapon against the enemy's schemes. Discover how truth sets us free, even when it feels risky.
What is the opposite of codependency—and what does it look like in everyday life? In this episode, we explore the concept of healthy interdependence and how shifting our dependency to the right source can actually strengthen our relationships with others. Learn how emotional and spiritual alignment can foster deeper, more balanced connections built on mutual support, not control or fear.
Have you ever left a coffee date feeling lighter, encouraged, and deeply refreshed—like you just sat with someone who poured life into your soul? Imagine if that person was Jesus. In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to have “coffee with Jesus” on a regular basis. Spoiler: He’s already at the table, longing for your presence. Let’s talk about how to make time with Him the most life-giving part of your day.
What does it really look like to apply Step 10 in everyday life—taking a personal inventory and spending intentional time with God? Is it actually doable, and what impact does it make? In this episode, we’re joined by Kareena, a longtime member of the recovery community, as she shares her journey of practicing daily inventory and the power of promptly admitting when we're wrong. Her story is a powerful reminder of how vigilance can replace fear and bring lasting growth.
What does isolation really look like in recovery? As we begin to build healthy community and form meaningful connections with those who truly care about us, the enemy often tries to pull us back into a place of loneliness. In today’s episode, we’re diving into how isolation can become a powerful weapon against our recovery—and how we can recognize it, resist it, and stay rooted in the support systems that help us heal and grow.
What tactics will the enemy use to undermine our recovery? As we move toward healing and a new life, the enemy will stop at nothing to pull us back into the chaos of our past—into death, destruction, and division. In part three of this series, we’ll continue to explore how Satan works to disrupt our recovery journey, particularly through the relationships that matter most. How does he seek to sow division and derail our progress in our relationships?
What tactics will the enemy use to undermine our recovery? As we move toward healing and a new life, the enemy will stop at nothing to pull us back into the chaos of our past—into death, destruction, and division. In part two of this series, we’ll continue to explore how Satan works to disrupt our recovery journey, particularly through the relationships that matter most. How does he seek to sow division and derail our progress in our relationships?
What tactics will the enemy use to undermine our recovery? As we move toward healing and a new life, the enemy will stop at nothing to pull us back into the chaos of our past—into death, destruction, and division. In this two-part podcast series, we’ll explore how Satan works to disrupt our recovery journey, particularly through the relationships that matter most. How does he seek to sow division and derail our progress in this crucial area? Join us as we dive into the enemy's tactics and examine how to safeguard the relationships that are vital to our healing.
We’ve reached a pivotal moment in our recovery, where we are faced with one of the most significant decisions of our lives. Are we truly ready to surrender everything to God—our lives, our will, our control? Today, we will explore Step 3 and Principle 3, diving into what it means to turn it all over. We’ve invited a friend to join us as we continue the conversation and reflect on this crucial point in our journey toward growth and healing.
Step 12, now what? We may wonder if step 12 is just an add on to our recovery and written as a suggestion but what if Principle 8 and Step 12 mean more to our recoveries than we anticipate? Join us today as we wrap up our series on the “why” behind the 8 principles and 12 steps.
We’ve made incredible progress through the life-changing work of the first 10 steps. Now, as we approach the second half of Principle 7, it’s time to dive deeper into Step 11. What role does Step 11 play in our recovery? How can practices like prayer and meditation support our growth along this journey? In this episode, we’ll explore how Step 11 is a crucial component in our ongoing recovery process.
We’ve navigated the challenging but rewarding path of the first 9 steps in our recovery journey, celebrating the victories and facing the difficult lessons from living out the first 6 principles. Now, it might feel like we're standing at a crossroads—wondering if this is where the journey ends or if we dig deeper, planting stronger roots that will sustain us and prevent us from slipping back into old patterns. Join us today as we explore the 'why' behind continuing our recovery work through Step 10.
"Do you know what they did to me? Why should I forgive them?" This is a question many of us wrestle with in our recovery. Forgiveness and making amends are often among the hardest steps to take, and extending grace to others—and receiving it ourselves—can feel like one of the greatest challenges. As we dive into Step 9, we'll come to see that trusting the process of making amends is not just a step, but a turning point in our healing journey.
Does offering forgiveness and making amends ever feel intimidating? While it can seem like a scary challenge in our recovery journey, it's also a crucial step to ensure we continue moving forward. Today, we’ll be inspired by one of our recovery sisters as she shares her personal experience navigating Principle 6 and Step 8. Her story will remind us of the power and peace that comes from embracing these essential steps in our recovery process.
Are Principle 6 and Step 8 among the most challenging aspects of our recovery journey? How can examining our past and present relationships, old wounds, and former selves support our healing—and is it really worth the struggle? In today’s discussion, we’ll explore why we embrace Principle 6 and Step 8, even when they feel tough and intimidating. Together, let’s navigate the pain and fear, discovering how forgiveness and making amends can transform our recovery in wonderful ways.
On our podcast, we've been exploring the principles behind each step, taking time to understand not just how to do the work, but why it matters. Step 7 is no different. How can we humbly ask ourselves and God to reveal our character defects? It’s easy to wonder: Is this just busy work, or is there a deeper purpose in confronting these flaws? Let’s continue our conversation as we explore the "why" behind Step 7 and the significance of this transformative process.
John 8:36 tells us, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This promise of freedom is not just a distant hope but a present reality we can experience. But what does it truly mean to walk in that freedom, day by day? How do we stay the course, trusting that God's purpose and plan for our lives are greater than anything we could have imagined? Today, we’ll explore what it means to be set free and how we can live confidently in the truth of that freedom, grounded in the knowledge that God is guiding us toward a future filled with His promises.
How do we prevent ourselves from returning to the old 'neighborhoods' where our hurts, habits, and hang-ups once lived? What does it take to be truly ready to surrender our character defects to God? This is a crucial step in our recovery, one that helps keep us from slipping back into old patterns. Join us today as we explore the deeper meaning behind Step 6, guiding us toward a better understanding of how to walk in both victory and surrender.
We’ve been walking through each step and principle, uncovering the deeper "why" behind them to help us gain a clearer understanding of how to fully engage in the recovery process. Today, we’re turning our attention to Principle 4, Step 5. At first glance, admitting our wrongs may not seem like an easy or enjoyable task, but why is it so essential? Let’s explore the freedom and healing that come when we open up about our hurts, habits, and hang-ups—to God, to ourselves, and to someone we trust.
Change is an inevitable part of life, and with it comes the natural flow of seasons throughout our recovery journey. Each season presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth. So, what season are you in right now? Whether you’re stepping into a fresh chapter or feeling stuck in an old one, today’s episode will dive into the unique characteristics and benefits of each season. We’ll explore how to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and prepare for the future, offering insights to help you navigate the transitions we all face along the way.
Is it possible to break free from generational dysfunction? Absolutely. Through the transformative power of Jesus, we can move away from destructive patterns and embrace a new way of living. But how do we actively lean into recovery and rewrite the story of our past struggles, turning cycles of pain into a legacy of hope and healing? Join us as we explore this powerful journey of transformation and the possibility of creating a new legacy in Christ.
As we continue our journey through the 12 Steps and 8 Principles, we pause today to reflect on Step 4. In David's Life Change Story, we will witness the fears and struggles he faced as he began his searching and fearless moral inventory. Although this step can be challenging, it is through the courage to face the truth that healing begins. Honesty, though difficult, opens the door to freedom and growth.
When we grasp the why behind the 12 Steps and 8 Principles, we gain the clarity and strength we need to embrace the what of our recovery. Join us today as we dive into Principle 4 and Step 4, exploring how to make sense of our pain and face the truth about what has happened to us—and what we've done to others as a result. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
Principle 3 teaches us that we consciously choose to commit our lives and wills to Christ's care and control. Today, we continue our journey of exploring the "why" behind the 12 Steps and 8 Principles, diving deeper into what it truly means to place our lives and wills in the hands of Jesus. This intentional decision is a pivotal moment in our recovery, as it fuels the momentum needed for lasting transformation. But how do we take this step? Join us in today’s discussion as we explore the practical aspects of this powerful choice.
The holidays can be a challenging time but remember: the enemy cannot defeat us in just one season. God is much bigger than that. In moments of struggle, how can we stand firm and reframe the lies the enemy tries to plant in our minds, replacing them with God's promises? This season, even amid grief, loss, or ongoing recovery, can still be a time of hope.Together, we'll explore how to embrace this season, trusting that through it all, we will emerge stronger and more resilient in our recovery. The journey may be tough, but with God's help, we will navigate it and come out on the other side better, more grounded, and filled with renewed hope.
Why do we take one step and one principle at a time? It may feel like our recovery is moving slowly, but there's a reason for the deliberate pace. Each step and principle is designed with intention, offering a process that is not only life-sustaining but also transformative. Last week, we explored Step 1, and in this week’s podcast, we’ll continue our journey by diving into the purpose and significance behind Step 2.
What are the 8 principles and 12 steps? Why do we focus on each principle and step one at a time? In this podcast, we will discuss why working through these steps and principles is essential to our recovery.
How can we maintain a ‘One Day at A Time’ mentality? In this podcast, we will walk through practical ways we can choose to work out our recovery journey by looking to do the next right thing and make the next right choice; keeping us grounded in living one day at a time.
In part two of “Inviting Jesus into Recovery”, we will continue the conversation about what it looks like to bring Jesus into our recovery. When we invite Jesus into recovery each day, we are pursuing the truth and principle that will produce the fruit of recovery in Jesus. If you missed last week, we encourage you to go and listen to our Podcast “Inviting Jesus into Recovery – Part One” as we discuss practical ways that Jesus can be brought into our healing from our hurts, habits, and hangups.
There is a difference between recovery and sobriety. In this two-part podcast, we will talk about what it looks like to bring Jesus into our recovery. When we invite Jesus into this process each day, we are pursuing the truth and principle that will produce the fruit of recovery in Jesus. Listen this week and next week to discuss practical ways that Jesus can be brought into our healing from our hurts, habits, and hangups.
We are all leaders that are called to a ministry. How can we walk with perseverance pursing the life God has called us to? In this podcast, we will talk about how we can continue in our journey towards healing and freedom, leaning into what it means to work our recovery with perseverance.
Let’s talk about grace. When you hear the word grace, what comes to mind? In this podcast, we will unpack “grace” and how it can make a difference in our recovery!
Last week we talked about the problem of shame and the effect it has on our recovery. On this episode, Rodney encourages us by different ways we can combat shame and move forward in the newness of like that Christ intended.
Shame can be so insidious. It has been described as the #1 tool of the enemy. But what is shame? How does the enemy use it to get us stuck in our recovery? On this episode, Rodney unpacks the role shame plays in our hurts, hand-ups, and habits, so that we can be on guard against it.
On the last two episodes, Rodney explored the characteristics and cost of body image issues, as well as the pathway toward healing. On this episode, we hear from Josh and Julia, two people who have been in recovery for a while and share a little bit of their life change story around body image issues. This is part 2 of a 2-part series.
On the last two episodes, Rodney explored the characteristics and cost of body image issues, as well as the pathway toward healing. On this episode, we hear from Josh and Julia, two people who have been in recovery for a while and share a little bit of their life change story around body image issues. This is part 1 of a 2-part series.
On the last episode, Rodney outlined key characteristics of body shame and it way it changes how we view ourselves. On this episode, we explore the cost of body image issues without shaming ourselves, as well as the pathway toward healing.
Body image issues can be a hard thing to define because it is so engrained in our culture. On this episode, Rodney defines and outlines key characteristics of body shame and it way it changes how we view ourselves. Stay tuned for next week, when Rodney explores the cost of body shame.
In the previous episode, Rodney unpacked the topic of food, exploring what a healthy and unhealthy relationship with food looks like. This week, we have on Tyra, who was willing to talk about her relationship with food and how that impacted her life.
How often do you think about food? Is it constantly on your mind? Exploring our relationship with food can be complicated because food is essential to survive. So, what does a healthy relationship with food look like? In this episode, Rodney explores what’s underneath our desire for food, as well as some useful red flags to pay attention to, as we learn grace for ourselves in this area.
Fear can be crippling and feel insurmountable. Scripture says repeatedly, “Do not fear.” So, if we find ourselves paralyzed by fear, do we stop and ask ourselves why? What are the good reasons why God told us not to fear. Do we take the time to examine our fear without judging ourselves? What is fear trying to tell us? In this episode, we look at fear in our lives through a curious lens.
When exploring the world of codependency, it is easy to misinterpret certain codependent actions as healthy, or on the flip side, mistake some healthy boundaries as cruel. What is the balance? We DO need others, so how do we find healthy interdependence without becoming codependent?
There are times when it feels like if one more thing happens, the weight of the world is going to knock us into the ground. Luckily, we serve a God who is big enough that we can be honest about our pain. What do we do in that desperate place? Rodney uses the story of Elijah exhausted in the dessert to shine light on God graciousness, love, and restoration for us!
Ever felt overwhelmed by your packed schedule, only to find yourself interrupted again? In today's episode, we dive deep into the importance of protecting our calendar but being open to the providential ministry opportunities or people God places in our path. We'll explore a powerful Bible story to uncover valuable lessons for our recovery journey.
We all lack self-awareness in certain areas. God often uses others to help us grow in self-awareness, because without self-awareness, meaningful change won’t happen. Rodney breaks down the complicated, and sometime painful process, of stepping out of denial, into becoming more self-aware, and gain healing!
This week we have the exciting opportunity of hearing an interview Rodney did with a pastor in South Carolina, Pastor Brian Trent at Lighthouse Church. What a joy it is the here his perspective of Celebrate Recovery and how it has changed the culture of their church!
Another story of hope! Canon shares his story, battling health issues since he was 3-years-old, and exploring the roots of his sexual addiction. He reveals how the Lord has been faithful physically, spiritually, and emotionally, and the freedom that he has found by surrendering to God’s power and purpose of his life.
We are all a victim in some area of our life because we live in a broken world. So, how do we honor our pain as a victim, without perpetuating a hopeless victim mentality? How do we become a “victor” over the areas that we have been victimized? On this episode, Rodney gives us some practical tools to walk as a Victor!
We are all a victim in some area of our life because we live in a broken world. So, how do we honor our pain as a victim, without perpetuating a hopeless victim mentality? How do we become a “victor” over the areas that we have been victimized? On this episode, Rodney gives us some practical tools to walk as a Victor!
Sometimes the idea of change seems simple and obvious, so it can be confusing when we watch someone we love or ourselves run back to the same patterns of behaviors. Why is it so hard to change? Well, its more complicated than we think. On this episode, Rodney talks about why we avoid change.
In our family of origin, it can feel dishonoring to the people we love to be honest about what was really going on and the pain that it caused. This dynamic can feel even more heightened when walking through step 4, when we take an honest inventory of our lives. On this episode, Rodney and Andy break down the dynamic of honest and honoring.
What if I am not the one who did the offense? What if I was on the receiving end of the offense? From a cheating spouse, to receiving abuse from a loved one, to being wounded by the actions of an addict. Is recovery for me too? Yes! Recovery is for everyone. This is an episode addressing specifically the people in recovery who have been offended against. They’re voice is so important!
We are all leaders in some aspect of our life, whether at home, work, at church, etc. How do we apply the principles that we learned early on in our recovery to develop healthy habits as an effective leader? This is part 2 of a 2-part series on cultivating healthy and effective leadership.
We are all leaders in some aspect of our life, whether at home, work, at church, etc. How do we apply the principles that we learned early on in our recovery to develop healthy habits as an effective leader? This is part 1 of a 2-part series on cultivating healthy and effective leadership.
On this episode, Linda shares her story with depression and anxiety. After several episodes of panic attacks in public places, and confusion over what was happening to her, Linda sought help and began her journey with mental health.
On this episode, Lou shares his story with opioids. As a doctor, he has a unique perspective on opioids within the medical system. He became addicted when he started prescribing himself opioids. By the grace of God, he was found out, and has been sober for 20+ years. He has now become a champion in the fight against Opioids, and gives us some practical tools to help!
Mental health struggles can feel permanent in their degree of pain. What does recovery look like in the context of mental health struggles? How do we gain freedom within a life-long struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, etc.? Rodney interviews Sarah to give her perspective on recovery within the context of mental health struggles.
It is so hard to know how to respond when someone we love brings their pain to us. We love them so much and often don’t want them to be in pain. If we can’t fix it, when how do we respond? What is our posture, our tone, or the words we say? Rodney, David, and Andy discuss the difficulty and tools that can help!
Our response to painful events in our life reveals a deeper layer of ourselves that we might not have known was there. Today, Rebecka shares her story of healing from childhood and adult trauma, and the way the Lord redeemed her pain.
What do we do with the topic of depression? Sometimes Depression can get a bad wrap. What is it, and how do we deal with it if we are struggling or someone we love is struggling? Rodney unpacks how we can grow through and struggle well through depression. (This is part 2 of a two-part conversation, if you missed part 1, please go back and take a listen).
What do we do with the topic of depression? Sometimes Depression can get a bad wrap. What is it, and how do we deal with it if we are struggling or someone we love is struggling? Rodney unpacks how we can grow through and struggle well through depression.
Denial is a word we hear a lot in recovery. In fact, stepping out of denial is the first step in our recovery! However, it can sometimes be confusing to make denial personal for ourselves and our story. What does scripture say about denial, and what are the dangers of living in denial?
Jeni Baker is the Co-Executive Global Director of Celebrate Recovery, and she sat down with Rodney to share her story! They continue to discuss anger and the impact and purpose it plays in our lives, as well as the misconceptions around anger. This is part 2 of a 2-part series. If you have not listened to part 1, take a listen!
Jeni Baker is the Co-Executive Global Director of Celebrate Recovery, and she sat down with Rodney to share her story! They discuss anger and the impact and purpose it plays in our lives, as well as the misconceptions around anger.
Do you compare your story to others? Do you feel like your story isn’t good enough? Why do we even put so much weight and importance on our story? Rodney breaks down and talks about the power and purpose behind our personal story, and what we can learn from it.
There is a common belief that we need to forget the past and only ever look forward. So, what are the benefits and reasons why we might need to stop and look at our past, to move forward. What are the benefits of a spiritual moral inventory?
What do we do when the very thing in front of us, requiring our attention, is the last thing we want to deal with. Can we be honest with ourselves? Can we be honest with the people who love us? How do we overcome Denial?
What is your lens on anger? Do you see it as a bad thing? Have you taken the time to think about what is beneath the anger we feel, and what it is pointing to. Today, Rodney sits down and talks about Anger with a trusted friend.
It doesn’t matter what culture we come from, everyone speaks “hurt” and everyone has a basic need for love and healing. Join us as Jose shares his story of life change, when he heard about Celebrate Recovery in his own language!
What does it look like to listening well and stay present with someone while they are sharing their inventory during the 5th step? Many times, we can over think it, but you have all the tools you need! Staying attuned with someone in their pain is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. This is part 2, if you missed part 1, be sure to listen to that one!
What does it look like to listening well and stay present with someone while they are sharing their inventory during the 5th step? Many times, we can over think it, but you have all the tools you need! Staying attuned with someone in their pain is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.
The opioid epidemic is not just a local issue, it is a global issue, effecting millions of families and loved ones. Rodney had the opportunity to sit down with friends on the front lines, fighting this epidemic globally. This is a continuation of a discussion on the issue. Their goal is to equip us with confidence and competence moving forward to face this epidemic with Christ help.
The opioid epidemic is not just a local issue, it is a global issue, effecting millions of families and loved ones. Rodney had the opportunity to sit down with friends on the front lines, fighting this epidemic globally. They talk about the issue in depth, and shed light on what it looks like on a local level. Their goal is to equip us with confidence and competence moving forward to face this epidemic with Christ help.
Life Change Stories are a life-line in this recovery process because they help us see that when Jesus does something in us, He can also do something through us. Rodney’s story is a testament to this and the reality that God can take the most broken parts of our story and turn them into something beautiful.
Returning to those old places we swore we’d never go back to always carries a heavy cost. Yet, we have an enemy that is always trying to woo us back to the very things that polluted us in the first place. How do we face these critical areas of temptation that lie between standing firm and falling so that we can keep moving forward?
One of our greatest sources of hope in this recovery journey comes through hearing how God has pulled others out of their mess. Life-Change Stories remind us that if God can change someone else, then He can change me, too! Today Scott shares about his story of how God met him in his addiction, anxiety, and insecurities.
God has the power to reach down into our mess and work healing in the most broken places of our hearts – and no one is too far gone. Today JP shares his story of healing and hope through Jesus and the process of Celebrate Recovery.
The Habit of a “Daily Inventory“ is a key part of the recovery process, but it can be intimidating to start. How do I even do a Daily Inventory, what does it looks like, and how can doing one help me find greater healing and freedom?
We hear a lot in recovery the importance of “living one day at a time” – but what does that really mean? How does it look to practically live one day at a time, and what effect does that have on my recovery when I do?
With the holiday season coming up, a lot of different challenges can surface that can’t start to draw us off track in our recovery. We want to do the best we can to stay proactive in the messiness of this to keep us on track. One of the biggest keys to that is staying connected to our source of strength and protection – God.
We have two choices when it comes to our anxiety, we can either work with it, or fight against it. Today we finish our conversation with Heidi Dennis, author of "Hello Anxiety", as she continues to unpack what healing looks like in our relationship with anxiety.
Anxiety is an issue that gets so easily misunderstood. But what if God actually designed anxiety to be something that works for us, rather than against us? What if we can actually start changing the way we relate to anxiety? We sit down with Heidi Dennis, a licensed counselor and author of "Hello Anxiety", to help understand this important topic.
Hearing how God can heal someone else’s life can allow us to believe He can do the same thing in our life. Today we’ll hear the rest of Matt’s story and the work that God has done and continues to do today. Don’t miss this incredible story.
Life-Change Stories are some of the greatest inspiration for us to pursue our own healing and freedom. Today we’ll hear from one of our very CR brothers, Matt, as he shares some of the hardest parts of his story with us – and how God is healing him. Listen in to this great story of healing and forgiveness.
We’ve been talking about the importance of worship in our recovery experience. What is it? Why do we need it? Why does it matter to me? Today we finish our conversation with Michael.
Worship is a key part of our meeting night in Celebrate Recovery. But what really is "worship", and why do we do it? What value does worship have in my recovery? Today we'll dig into it and why it's such an important part of our recovery process.
One underlying driver of Relapse is disconnection from God, others, or even our own heart. Today we'll focus on what it looks like to become disconnected from ourselves, how that contributes to leading us to acting out, and what it looks like to take proactive steps to avoid that slow drift.
Is it possible to heal from rejection and abandonment? What is that wound even made up of? It’s a tender spot for many of us and the road to healing in this area can be bumpy. Today we unpack what this aspect of our recovery can look like.
One of the most common areas of struggle is also one of the most misunderstood. Codependency can be hard to nail down and understand, and we might even be wondering “how do I start to find healing?” We’ll talk with Kareena about what it’s looked like for her to struggle well with codependency.
Paul tells us in the book of Philippians that in his life he learned to "forget the former things" and "strain ahead". But what does it look like to "forget" our past without denying it? How do we learn to "strain ahead" toward Jesus?
In our dysfunction we've found a lot of different ways to escape our pain and the things we feel. As we grow in our recovery we learn that we need a different kind of escape - escape from temptation and our old habits. But how do we develop a new type of "escape plan" for our lives? (Part 5 of 6)
It's so important to ask ourselves what health needs to look like in our personal recovery. What are the behaviors and activities that I need to stay away from? What positive things do I need to add? Today we continue our conversation on building a healthy escape plan. (Part 4 of 6)
Boundaries may place limits on certain parts of our lives, but those limits actually free us to live in ways that allow us to step into the abundance of life God promised us. Today we press further in to what it looks like to find deeper freedom by saying, "It's not wise for me to go there." (Part 3 of 6)
What does it mean to "be careful so that we don't fall"? A healthy recovery needs healthy boundaries when it comes to the people, places, and things that trip us up. Today we continue our conversation on a healthy escape plan by getting practical. (Part 2 of 6)
Lasting Recovery is rooted in wisdom, not strength. One of the best things we can do is build a strategic plan for our recovery that keeps us from getting stuck. Over the next several weeks we'll talk through what it looks like to develop a healthy escape plan.
Pastors are supposed to "have it all together", right? Well, turns out we all have hurts, no matter where we lead. That's why Celebrate Recovery has a wing called "CPR" - Celebrate Pastor's Recovery. Today we'll talk about why it's so important and how it makes healthier churches.
We can hear often in recovery about a struggle called "codependency" - and maybe someone has even told us that we might be dealing with it ourselves. But what in the world is it? What does it mean? And if it is a part of our story, how do we move forward?
What needs to change for in order for deep change to take root in our lives? Some would say our mind needs to change before our heart, others might say that our mind can't change until our heart is moved. But is it that simple?
Addiction to pornography is an increasingly common and tough struggle to battle in our world today. It can feel hopeless, but freedom is possible. Eric's story is a powerful answer to the question, "Can God Heal a Pornography Addiction?"
Sometimes we can view our emotions as the enemy, but what if they really are a gift from God? How does the process of Celebrate Recovery help us to understand our hearts and grow our emotional health?
The greatest evidence of God's work is a changed life. We talk to Justin about how Celebrate Recovery has changed his life and how God is now using him in CR's student ministry, The Landing.
What does healing really look like when it comes to addictions? What are the internal messages or even the external things that we can be doing to ultimately move us from believing that God can't change to hope that He really is willing and able to change my life?
How do we understand how a relapse happens? Are there key indicators, red flags, or even a noticeable progression that leads to the ultimate catastrophe of falling back into our old behaviors? We'll dig into all this as we discuss the subtle drift that can breed a relapse.
There's so much damage that can be done when we allow addiction to run our lives with its loss of control, shame spirals, fantasies, and obsessions. Today we'll hear how God can rescue and redeem us from those entrenched cycles of dysfunction through Terry's story of hope and redemption from gambling addiction.
Continuing our conversation around addictions and how in our pain we end up creating an emotional black hole in our hearts that keeps us from connecting with God and others. But there is always hope to address the dysfunction so that we can move forward.
We say often that 1 out 3 people that come to Celebrate Recovery struggle with some sort of an addiction - everything else are all the things around them. But it's so important to understand how addictions take root and keep us stepping into the life God intends for us.
What's the big deal with the Serenity Prayer? Is it just something that we prayer every week just because? Maybe there's something to this familiar prayer that can help us grasp what true serenity is.
What do you do as you experience a string of relapses? How do we keep getting back up and not lose heart? Today we talk about how to keep moving forward without losing hope.
Commitment is essential to be fully engaged in this process. But what are the reasons why we might not fully buy-in to this recovery journey, and what might the cost of that be?
One of the greatest keys to the healing of this recovery journey is forgiveness. But if that's the case, why is it so hard to do?
You've been working your journey of recovery and you've been seeing growth and progress, but the people closest to you aren't able to see that change. How do we handle that and allow it to move us closer to Jesus?
Sometimes grief can come up when we come to the realization that we need to remove our old negative coping strategies from our lives. This grieving process is an interesting dynamic in recovery and can be a real struggle for many.
Worship is such a powerful gift and actually becomes a lifestyle through recovery. Today we explore how worship can express God's rewriting of our heart as we hear two songs written out of the recovery experience.
Concealing vs. confessing, there's a big difference between the two. One keeps us stuck and steals away our life, the other leads to life, freedom, and hope.
Perfectionism is one of those things that can trip us up quickly if we're not careful. It keeps us from living out the plan God has given us and moving forward in health. So what does it look like to live in this world without falling into the trap of perfectionism?
Resentment is one of the biggest "recovery killers" out there. It does more than just rob our serenity, it truly can take our recovery down if we aren't careful. So how do we deal properly with resentment (and the anger that accompanies it) so that we keep moving forward?
We say a lot in recovery that must give up control of all the things we're trying to manage under our own power and strength. But what does that actually look like on the ground? How do we give up control?
Have you ever thought that God can't use your story? That no one could ever relate to the brokenness in our lives? Nothing could be further from the truth and our Life Change Story from Amanda shows us just how much God wants to use our story to bless others.
Life has a way of throwing things at us that leaves us feeling powerless. But we try to fill the void in our heart under our own power, it only leads to greater pain.
Consequences bring great pain in our lives. But facing those consequences brings great growth. We continue our conversation with Angela Imhoff.
Consequences are an unfortunate reality of our poor choices. But could it be possible that God wants to use the consequences of our actions as a catalyst for growth? How does God bring healing out of the brokenness of our lives?
The recovery process is overwhelming and can sometimes feel defeating getting going. But when our perspective changes, everything changes for the better.
Finding lasting freedom means we have to acknowledge that there are areas of our life that need to change. But what does that look like? When and how does change happen?
Sometimes those old shame messages sneak up on us, even if we’ve been in recovery for years. How do we deal with old shame resurfacing? What does it look like to take that to Jesus?
We survived the holidays - now what? How do we recover from a really hard season like Christmas? What does it looks like to walk towards health as we enter this new year?
What does it look like for God to pull us out of our mess and shame? Kareena shares her story of how God's grace met her in the midst of her brokenness.
What do we mean when we talk about "surrender" in our recovery? What does it mean to "Let Go and Let God"? We talk today about what it practically means to surrender to God in our recovery and see how surrender is actually an invitation to rest in God's strength instead of our own.
Are you feeling the pressures of the holidays? In a crazy time, how do we find peace in the midst of chaos? Where is true peace found?
If Gratitude is so essential to our recovery, then why is it so difficult? We may have misconceptions about what true gratitude really is, but there is such value to our lives and healing in learning how to connect with God through gratitude.
How do we deal with a relapse? We’ll unpack what it looks like to get back on our feet, and even how we can prevent falling back in the first place.
What leads us to feel like we're "good enough" in God's eyes? What if we feel like we aren't measuring up? We have a conversation today about dealing with the performance-driven mindset that many of us struggle with in our relationship with God and others - and how God's true character and grace meets us in our failures and shame.
Running from our hurts leads to unhealthy core beliefs that ultimately lead to destructive habits and broken relationships.