Hi, My Name is Cheryl…

Hi, my name is Cheryl and I’m a believer who struggles with codependency and grief.

As many of you know, Pastor John, the Founder of Celebrate Recovery, passed away a little over a year ago. I am learning that the second year is still hard. The brain fog is gone, and I am left with the realization that life will never be the same. I will never be the same.

But, I am also grateful because I know that Jesus Christ still has a purpose for me. The principles of Celebrate Recovery have helped me so much to navigate that first year. I would like to hear from friends who have found hope and healing through Celebrate Recovery while dealing with grief.

So, I got myself back on Facebook. Immediately, a friend called me and said, “Thank you for letting us know that you are ready for us to reach out to you.”

I never looked at it quite that way. In grief, I assumed people should reach out to me. That thinking can cause bitterness and resentment. My friend’s comment immediately took me to Principle 6, “Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others.”

Fortunately, after about six months, I realized that I needed more support. I connected with a group of CR widows and we meet weekly on zoom. We all have other issues, which is why we add “grief” to the original hurt, hang up or habit that brought us to CR. Mixed issues, life issues, or A-Z issue groups are all great places to start.

Let’s start getting the word out that grief is a hurt that can cause people to develop new hang-ups that can turn into destructive habits or spiral into relapse. But with Jesus Christ as our higher power, we can find healing and support at Celebrate Recovery.