Christian Recovery
In the Beginning: First, Introductions
Joining the circle
In therapy when I was younger, I worked on some feelings of being excluded. I may or may not have actually been excluded, but I had often experienced feelings of being “left out” and “not belonging.” The therapist asked me, pointedly, could I love myself enough to join the circle? So, this introduction is me loving myself enough to join the circle of Koinonia authors!
Quick background info
I am 60 years old and live in the Northeast. I grew up with an alcoholic father, a codependent mother, and a cross-addicted brother. I wasn’t raised with religion — no one prayed or spoke of God or Jesus when I was growing up — yet I managed to find my way to Christ, praise God!
I’ve worked as a family counselor in a local rehabilitation center. I’ve written a 12-step book. I attend Al-Anon meetings and work the 12 Steps and Traditions to the best of my ability. And, through the grace of God, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and marked this by having a baptism renewal ceremony at my church when I was in my 40s.
What I’ve survived
First and foremost, I survived an alcoholic, Godless upbringing, including my mom leaving the household when I was 16…
