I facilitate the Women in Recovery group at Heritage NW church.
It is a bible study format using “The Life Recovery Bible” which includes scripture and the 12 steps. We follow a weekly format that covers reading scripture with follow-up questions and discussion. We have attendees share, if comfortable, on how the readings relate to our lives.
The group has been running since January 2020. Over the last 2 years 22 women have attended the group and the average weekly attendance is 4 women. There is a variety of issues that visit our sessions and all benefit from the word.
My healing journey began May 3rd, 1989 when I got on my knees and surrendered my addiction to alcohol to God, after blacking out at midnight in my car and waking up in a secluded parking lot with my car doors unlocked. I realized at that moment that God had spared my life for the second time in 5 months, and I was fairly certain there wouldn’t be a third chance.
I had a massive heart attack 5 months prior to this event and continued smoking and drinking hard. After my surrender, I started attending AA meetings and by the grace of God, I have been sober for 33 years. I also went on to seek treatment for nicotine and quit smoking 1 year later. I also have attended Overeaters Anonymous and Al-anon.
Working the 12 steps of AA has led me to seek other spiritual connections and as promised by God I am happy, joyous, and free most of the time. I continue to attend several 12-step meetings each week, along with listening to spiritual podcasts.
My goal for this Women’s group is to stay in a strong spiritual condition, so I can continue to be a resource to women seeking change.