Article

Testimonial

Hello, my name is Angela, I’m a Believer, and I will be an alcoholic in recovery and “daily on guard” for the rest of my life. It’s complicated and I long for the day to have a one-on-one with Jesus who I know will lovingly sort through much that’s baffled me here on earth.

I was in my 20’s when alcohol first crossed my lips. Not wanting anyone to feel uncomfortable by saying “no”, fitting in, doing what was expected, rationalizing it was the better of several awkward choices … some of the reasons for that first sip. As life progressed and the compromises increased, I learned that imbibing enough alcohol could give me relief, albeit temporary, from distress. Of course I knew God could too, and I recall crying out to Him several times with a wine glass in my hand. Wow, how baby step after baby step of compromise and rationalization can take us to shocking places …

I became the queen of compartmentalization – work friends, church friends, family, neighbors … a human chameleon who eventually lost sight of who I really was and what I truly believe. And the secrets involved in maintaining the multiple facades were exhausting!

So where and how does a Seventh-day Adventist go for help with a secret alcohol problem? My first attempts to reach out to church members did not go well. I was left feeling I simply did not love and trust the Lord enough because if I did my addiction would be permanently removed through sincere prayer and humbly responding to an alter call. When that didn’t happen (once I relapsed after 4 sober years), uncomfortable church members awkwardly said they’d pray for me, backed out of my life, and later I learned betrayed my confidence and shared my struggle with others. Painful.

But we are living in a sin-filled world and we unintentionally hurt others from time to time. In my sober walk I have learned it is my responsibility to “work the program” daily which MUST begin with daily turning my life over to Christ. I then need to engage with people and activities that support my commitment to sobriety. I am thankful to have found a Journey to Wholeness group in my area about a year ago. There is power is prayer, heartfelt sharing, listening and supporting one another in our unique walks and challenges. I am encouraged to see our church evolving and developing programs for the reality that serious sin and addiction issues exist in many of our pews. What a blessing to find sponsorship and group support within my church.

Angela K