Discover how spirituality can be a lifeline in the journey of recovery as we share powerful narratives of rebirth and transformation. This episode of the Valiant Living Podcast features Ryan, a dedicated leader within the Free Recovery Community. He opens up about his personal path to sobriety, which began on January 7th, 2013, and highlights the critical role that faith played in overcoming addiction. Alongside Ryan, I recount my own experiences as a United Methodist pastor struggling with alcohol addiction and the moment my wife's intervention propelled me towards a newfound clarity and purpose.

We navigate the complex tapestry of questioning faith during times of pain and crisis, emphasizing the importance of asking difficult questions in safe, supportive spaces. Through candid storytelling, we unravel the layers of shame, fear, and identity crises that often accompany addiction, illustrating how sharing these vulnerabilities can lead to profound healing. By drawing on biblical narratives and personal experiences, we explore how recovery mirrors the journey of the Prodigal Son, where unconditional love offers a homecoming for those who have lost their way.

Our conversation takes us on a journey of building and expanding recovery communities that prioritize belonging over belief. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Phoenix and CARE Colorado Artists in Recovery, we aim to create environments where individuals can find joy in sobriety through activities such as sober open mic nights and trauma-informed yoga. This episode is an invitation to view recovery as an ongoing process filled with grace and celebration, as we lay plans for launching ten new recovery communities in the next decade, starting with Chicago, and emphasizing the importance of service and presence in one's ongoing journey to wholeness.