Recovery: Filling life with the light of God
October 05, 2021 by Lauren McElroy
HPUMC's Recovery Ministry
At HPUMC, we believe that alcohol and drug addiction is a disease that can lead to devastating social, economic, spiritual, and physical consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities.
We support individuals struggling with this disease through groups and studies, referrals, staff support, and community. We also provide care and support for loved ones and families of addicts.
About a year ago, I went on a first date with my now-boyfriend. We took our dogs on a stroll down Lakeside and things went so well that we decided to get a “drink” at Royal Blue.
“Here we go again,” I thought to myself. Can’t wait to make the world’s greatest first impression and tell this handsome, preppy, nearly perfect SMU MBA student that I am...an alcoholic.
“I don’t drink anymore,” I said, twirling my hair.
“That’s awesome,” he replied. “Why? Did you just have unhealthy coping habits?”
Sweat dripped down my back. I chuckled and said, “No. It wasn’t that. I went to rehab and stuff. It was BAD. Not cute. NOT pretty. I’m the REAL deal.”
To be honest, that’s all I remember from that night’s conversation (besides that I was really hoping for a second date).
Matt’s current sermon series aligns exactly with what I have learned in recovery through the 12 Steps: God’s grace is greater than our biggest regret. On Sunday, I heard the following from Matt’s sermon, which is based off Peter’s own regret from John 21:
I (the Lord) have qualified you to be one of My followers
You have the depth and breadth of My grace
You are not defined by your worst moment
When I was in the depths of my illness, it wasn’t just a bad moment, it was moments. Plural. I made a lot of mistakes and hurt and embarrassed a lot of people, including myself. But now, thanks to God’s redeeming love, I get to use those regrets as my greatest asset and biggest purpose in life—helping others.
That’s why I am writing this today. That’s why I am a member of the Recovery Taskforce here at HPUMC. There is hope from addiction. There is a way out. You CAN go from the darkness into the light with Christ’s help.
Flash forward a year into dating and my boyfriend and I went to a friend’s wedding in Oklahoma. A very sophisticated and lovely booze fest. Truly a fun party! On the drive home, my boyfriend said something that I will never forget, “You know, Lauren. I forget that you don’t drink.”
My heart exploded and I thought to myself, THIS is it. This is The Lord doing for me what I can’t do for myself. It’s not even about the drinking. To be happy and joyful in sobriety is something I could never have accomplished on my own. Thank you, God!
The message I hope to share is that we can be set free from a life marked by darkness when we choose to fill our life with the light of God. Finding God’s grace in recovery and being a sober woman is THE BEST thing that has ever happened to me, and it can be for you, too.
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned. ”
Matthew 4:16
