I use to think my only problem was my husband’s excessive drinking. His addictions had hurt a lot during our marriage. I learned I needed to be in control of things; our finances, our kids, our schedule and our social life. I also became mean and bitter. I said things to purposely hurt him and I became a rage-a-holic. I also ran from our problems by working too much. Once he started going to meetings to deal with his addictions, I decided I needed to talk with someone too. Seeking help was the best thing for both of us. Coming to Celebrate Recovery and talking with others who struggle with similar issues is extremely freeing. I no longer feel alone. Working through the first book in the 12-step program, really helped me discover how I became who I am. It let me purge feelings and emotions that had been bottled up for far too long. I’ve found I can only change myself and my issues, not my husband and his issues. I know longer sweat the small stuff. Having Jesus as my higher power, I know I can hand things over to Him and He will give me strength. My name is Karen and I struggle with co-dependency, work-a-holism and control issues.
I became a Christian as a child, but spiritual and emotional abuse made me fearful of God. I was trapped and isolated from Him and from others by my codependency and perfectionism. Outwardly my life seemed great but I felt like I was dying inside.
After I made a conscious decision to give God control of my life, I got involved with Celebrate Recovery. I met people there who accept me and love me just as I am. They can relate to my struggles and encourage me as I work through my recovery. Celebrate Recovery helped me to see God as my loving Father and myself as someone who can change and grow. I still have issues that I am dealing with, but I am confident now that with the help of God and the encouragement of my friends at Celebrate Recovery I will be able to deal with them.
Four years ago my world was turned upside down. My years of addictive behaviors had caught up with me. My sexual addiction had caused me to be separated from my wife and family. I am also an alcoholic and would isolate and drink whenever I could. I had come to the end of myself and was willing to seek help. I began with counseling for my sexual addiction and attending church at Westminster Chapel. I also worked through a Christian twelve-step program for sexual addiction. I was able to quit drinking and smoking (two things I thought I would never be free of) and I am no longer a slave to my addictions. My family life has been restored and I now have a relationship with Jesus. I have been attending Celebrate Recovery at Westminster Chapel since it began and find the support I need to stay on my road to recovery. If your story sounds anything like mine I hope you will join us on Fridays to make friends and find freedom.
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