Is There Life After Recovery?
Sue Berger
When my friend Rose called and ask if I might be willing to come into the county jail and take Christy’s place helping her teach the ladies Bible Study I had to smile at the irony. Christy was currently sensing God leading her in a different direction so Rose needed another partner. After praying, I told Rose that I would be honored to take Christy’s place. When we all met a few weeks later at the jail we had a really good laugh. In fact I laughed and cried intermittedly through the whole Bible Study.
Why? Because I had met Christy 19 years before when I was leading this same class and she was the one in jail. Christy at that time was a serious alcoholic and crack addict facing 11 years for “Dealing in Stolen Firearms and Uttering a Forged Instrument Over $50,000”. Her life was on a fast moving train headed to destruction. She was in and out of relationships, alienated from her family, separated from her young son, staying drunk and high and afraid to face the future. Christy was dead inside and one step away from death physically. But that all changed when she made a decision to follow Jesus instead of chasing the dragon.
I asked Christy recently “What is your life like now? What has changed for you?”.
Her answer: “What hasn’t changed! Everything I was seeking turned out to be Jesus. Because of my relationship with Him I now have a life beyond my dreams. I have been married for sixteen years to a wonderful man. We’ve had our struggles as all married couples do but our relationship is solid and amazing.
I am reunited with my son and have a marvelous bond with him and my stepson. I have been able to show them that it is not about being perfect but about knowing there is a way out through Jesus.
I have a terrific social life with lots of close intimate friends I can rely on, and also with my family. I lead a weekly Bible Study with my husband and I am now a pillar of my community and church”.
So yes, there is life after recovery. A much better life! So looking at your life. Is it all you hoped and dreamed for? If the answer is no, then we are offering another way. A new life through Jesus, who is able to transform you from the inside out.