The darkest shame finds the brightestlight of God’s healing power. by Pete Riley as told to Carol McGalliard I lived in a nightmare. I was studying to become a minister but knew I was being hypocritical: I was a sex addict. It was depressing and horrible knowing what was right and being powerless to…
Tag: Addictions
Finding Father
Reconnecting with vital relationships. by Alicea Jones Tall, thin, and decided, he anchored our home and gave us a sense of completion. We held Daddy in awe; he taught us the Twenty-third Psalm, about God being our shepherd and walking with us even through death. He was a dreamer, and we dreamed right along…
Freed From Bulimia
Seeking help from the perfect God for our imperfections. by Kaylie Biggs as told to Karen Whiting One of my mother’s friends prayed over me while I grew inside the womb. Her prayers worked: I arrived a healthy baby girl after a C-section. Unfortunately, due to poor choices later in life, I didn’t stay…
Hidden Shame: The Growing Problem of Sexual Addiction
Understanding the past and patterns of a secret sin. by Carol McGalliard The final strains of the wedding processional ring through the sanctuary. A radiant bride gazes into the eyes of the beaming groom and vows that she will “love, honor, and cherish this man . . . in sickness and health, for better,…
I Just Couldn’t Say No
What would one drag on a joint hurt? by Jason Gomez as told to Christy Heitger-Casbon I glanced at my watch: 6:55 p.m. I couldn’t believe there were only five minutes left in youth group. For as far back as I could remember, I’d been connected to these people. Flashbacks of retreats, church lock-ins,…
Learning From Scars
His blood — not ours — bringsfreedom from harmful habits. by Shelbie Mae For weeks I had tried to ignore the scars and open cuts on my sister’s arms and legs, but they stuck out like molehills burrowed into smooth grass. When a knock sounded on my bedroom door, I knew it was she….
Understanding Gambling-Various treatment options are available
Resources Gamblers Anonymouswww.gamblersanonymous.org; 1-888 GA Helps or 1-888-424-3577 Debtors Anonymouswww.debtorsanonymous.org Gam-Anonwww.gam-anon.orgA resource site for spouses, family members or friends of compulsive gamblers. Gambling Addiction HelpFree, live, online advice and support for gamblingwww.gamblingtherapy.org Center for Internet Addiction Recoverywww.netaddiction.com/ American Gaming Associationwww.americangaming.org/Industry/factsheets/statistics_detail.cfv?id=7 – Jeri Darby
Ms. Jekyll, Monster Hyde
Winning the secret battle over bulimia. by Kimberly Davidson An insatiable monster crept into my life unnoticed. It started when I lost fifteen pounds. “You’re so thin!” people told me. “You look terrific!” I longed for more praise. What began at age seventeen as a mere diet turned into a battle with a life-zapping…
Understanding Gambling-twenty questions
Twenty Questions Have you ever lost time from work or school due to gambling? Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? Has gambling affected your reputation? Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? Did you ever gamble to get money to pay debts or solve financial difficulties? Has gambling caused a decrease in your…
My Daughter’s Addiction
The “perfect “child creates the perfect nightmare. by Connie Vigil Platt Most mothers think their children are the best at everything. That’s how I felt about my daughter, Kathy. She was beautiful: tall and slim with flawless skin that seldom produced the usual teenage blemish. Her teeth were white and straight. Others often commented…