Why do people still believe Celebrate Recovery is just for addicts? Is it because they have seen the movie Home Run? Did they go to that bathroom or something during testimony night in the film, where the main character’s sister-in-law speaks of her sexual abuse as a child? Or could it be because everyone thinks only addicts need recovery?
I’ve been going to Richland Celebrate Recovery since it began at my church six years ago, with the exception of a small hiatus. I’ve seen many people come and go over the years for various reasons; mostly, because they move back home upon coming out their recovery program.
I’ve written about CR (Celebrate Recovery) many times on my blog and I talk a lot about it in general, yet people still see it as a place for addicts. Let me say for the record…yes, addicts attend CR, BUT that is NOT all it is about.
Here is what Celebrate Recovery is…
It is a Christ centered program for people. PEOPLE!
It’s not just for the addict…it’s for the hurting, the lonely, the habitual sinner, the depressed and the list can go on and on. It’s a place for people with hurts, habits and hang-ups. It’s a place for healing.
When I started going to CR it was basically to help as a volunteer for our church’s newest ministry. I had heard about it and supported it. Little did I know…I needed it for me.
At the time I was going through my separation/divorce, not being able to see my kids everyday, depression, anger and trying to stop a long struggle with viewing porn and low self-esteem among other things.
I would have gone absolutely bat crazy had it not been for CR and the conversations and prayer from dear friends during all that.
Here’s the thing. A lot of people who struggle, with anything, sometimes feel as if they are the only ones dealing with that particular issue. And many of them feel that if they share their struggle with anyone, they will be looked upon differently…basically judged. And yet we can’t judge and here is why…we are all sinners and fall short of the glory God.
God sees no sin greater than the other, yet He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for all. All is all, no matter what it is. It could be adultery, drinking in excess, lying, sexual immorality, gluttony, murder, stealing, idolatry, etc.
The thing is, if we are honest with ourselves, we all have hurts, we all have habits that may not follow in line with scripture, and we all have hang-ups of some form or fashion.
CR is for everyone!
I go for the worship and message and still feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to repent of something or to make amends with someone.
It’s honestly hard to explain. Heck, we have a 70-year-old lady who attends and our youngest is a 17-year-old young lady. Everyone gets something out of the message no matter what they are going through at that moment. That’s just how God works.
The small groups are more intimate and allows each person the chance to either share how the message applies to their situation or just share what’s on their heart. Small groups have been a source of healing for me just by letting things out. You know…my life verse…confess your faults one to another. James 5:16 is so powerful.
Allow me to ask you guys a few questions.
Are you depressed? Do you have anxiety issues? Are you feeling alone after losing a loved one whether by death or the break-up of a relationship? Do you suffer from over eating? Are you addicted to sweets? Do you drink in excess to the point of losing control of who you are? Are you hurting from the wounds of words spoken? Do you have low self-esteem? Have you ever been sexually molested? Have you been physically or verbally abused?
If you answered yes to any of those, Celebrate Recovery is for you.
Give it a try! Allow the Lord to lead you. Go to the Celebrate Recovery website and see if there are any local chapters.
I have a list of all the ones in Louisiana, here on my blog site and keep it updated as best I can.
If you choose to attend please let me know how you enjoyed it and if it ministered to you.
God Bless,
Stu
I believe that as I run across other people’s blog posts on how Celebrate Recovery is helping in their lives and the lives of their loved I will share them here…
And this is the perfect one to start with considering my past struggle with pornography. This is a beautiful post, entitled How My Marriage Overcame My Husband’s Porn Addiction, from a wife whose husband has struggled with porn for decades and it was on the verge of destroying their marriage.
Here is a great testimony from Jana over at The Beggar’s Bakery entitled Alcohol, Grace and Me – A Recovery Story
Here is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness from Karen at Beauty 4 Ashes 247 entitled When I Was Fourteen…A Promise…Now Fulfilled
This wonderful updated testimony from Karen entitled My Celebrate Recovery Testimony (Story) will make you stand up and shout “Thank you God for your faithfulness!”
[…] Celebrate Recovery Is For Everyone […]
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[…] I had another post I wanted to share with you today, but I changed my mind last night after going to Celebrate Recovery. For those who do not know about Celebrate Recovery you can read about it here. […]
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I don’t know what happened. This is actually a post from last year. All I did was add a new link and some how it republished it as a new post….weird.
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We have a Celebrate Recovery at several churches in our area. I have watched so many friends be greatly healed, supported, encouraged, and given strong tools through that ministry. Even with friends who have attended in their states. Most importantly, I have seen Jesus come alive in so many lives and ministries through the people… attending and teaching. God uses Himself in mighty ways, and in mighty people! God bless you for your part, Brother Stu! He loves you!
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It is a very powerful ministry! I’m thankful for our pastor’s insight to bring this ministry to our church. I have witnessed so much healing in the past six years, including my own 🙂
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praise God!
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[…] If you are unfamiliar with Celebrate Recovery please check out my post Celebrate Recovery Is For Everyone […]
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Stuart, thank you so very much, I had no idea it was for other things than addiction. Bless you.
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You’re welcome Wendi 😊
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I’m glad to hear of this kind of ministry! Sounds like a lot of changed lives!
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Thank you Stuart for sharing these testimonies. God’s love and grace is amazing.
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Stu.
I wholeheartedly agree with you on this. Everyone can find some healing within the CR ministry. I was a long time attendee and served in the Ministry team as well.
What I am going to say next might seem obvious, or maybe not so obvious to some, but it bears saying. While I believe CR is for everyone, I don’t believe it is for everything. I will be the first to say that the individual group plays a part in that. I travel a lot, and there are some things I will not speak about in my home group, but feel free to talk about in a group where I am a visiting stranger. There have been instances where I got to my own group meeting, and have been so weighed down that I drove to a different Church and joined in as a visitor. Currently, I have stepped away from CR, maybe for a season, or maybe permanently, and spend that time with a counselor specializing in a particular trauma.
I know you mean well, when you tout the benefits of CR, but the truth is that I have seen a lot of people, including my Ministry Leader talk about it as if it is a perfect, guaranteed path to wholeness. It is a great ministry, but it isn’t perfect, and it really is not appropriate for every issue or every situation, and people should be encouraged to pursue other avenues. There were areas in my life where I found it to be tremendously beneficial, and even in those areas where I still struggled, it at least gave me some direction.
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Oh, it’s far from perfect brother! It is a great ministry that I praise God for! But there are still areas in which it needs to grow. I too stepped away for a bit.
I agree with you that is not for everything. There are some things they are just not prepared to tackle…yet. Some are…most are not.
That’s for the comment and adding more info about CR for people to think on!
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[…] you don’t believe me that everyone needs CR check out my post Celebrate Recovery Is For Everyone. Even after attending stay a few more weeks and be in awe of our God as he transforms lives week […]
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