As we navigate our lives, many obstacles can lead us to sin. Our free will can be a blessing and a curse, as our choices can have a positive or extremely negative affect on our lives and the lives of others. For those struggling with psychological impairments due to trauma, turbulent life events and substance use disorders, it can be especially difficult to grapple with the perceived ramifications of sin. Since not all sins are of equal severity, and some are committed out of our full control or awareness, you might be wondering– does God forgive all sins? The short answer- YES The basis of ..read more

If you have ever taken someone else’s prescription medication or given your drugs to them, you have participated in an illegal activity called drug diversion. Drug diversion happens when people distribute or sell prescriptions in a way the prescriber did not intend. Minor instances can occur with individual users, but people with easy access to medications – like doctors, pharmacists and manufacturers – can also commit this crime on a large scale. Types of Drug Diversion Typical examples of drug diversion include: Selling or dispensing prescription drugs without legal permission to do so D ..read more

The Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan tells the tale of an unfortunate Jewish man who was attacked and beaten by robbers. Though the Jewish and Samaritan people were historically enemies, a kind Samaritan was the only person to stop and help the victim, bandaging his wounds and taking him to an inn where he could heal. This story exemplifies the importance of treating everyone you see as your neighbor, even if they come from a different walk of life. Inspired by this parable, California legislators have passed a Good Samaritan law aiming to encourage bystanders to intervene if they see s ..read more

For people managing an addiction, the physical cravings are only part of the struggle. The other side of the battle is addressing the mental and emotional challenging that coincide with physical symptoms. A common mental struggle for Christians is reconciling their faith with their substance use disorder. While the Bible offers warnings about falling into substance misuse, it also provides hope for people who are coping with these disorders. In fact, what the Bible says about addiction is primarily encouraging. Examples of Addiction in the Bible When people think about references to addictio ..read more

For Christians struggling with depression, it’s often challenging to navigate their mental health challenges in the context of faith. Mental illness is not a new concept and has existed throughout history. In fact, there are multiple examples of these disorders in the Bible, including some of the most highly regarded people of that time. The Bible provides hope for Christians managing depression, and these examples can help reshape current views on mental health in the church. Defining Depression in Biblical Times It’s no secret that society today has a greater understanding of mental illnes ..read more

Mental illness has existed long before we had a context for these diseases. Those who lived during the time of the Bible experienced some of the same mental health challenges that we do today, but they didn’t have the same understanding that we do about how and why these disorders occur. People who struggle with mental illness today may feel isolated, especially if the church is not acknowledging these challenges. However, there are many examples of mental health challenges in the Bible, and these can provide much-needed support to those who struggle today. Mental Illness Today vs. in Biblic ..read more

As you navigate the road to recovery, one of the best investments you can make is finding a reputable therapist. However, this process can feel overwhelming at times with the number of options available. As a Christian, you may want someone who shares your faith. Or it may be more important to find someone who falls within a specific budget. Whatever you are looking for, knowing how to find a therapist that meets your needs is imperative for lasting sobriety.  Finding the Right Therapist for You Every person in recovery has different needs and priorities when looking for counseling. Her ..read more

As Christians, we are often told not to worry because God is in control. While a well-meaning statement, this can create a moral dilemma for those prone to stress. Is it a sin to worry about things that are to come? And where is the line between worrying about a situation and a lack of trust in God? Worrying Versus Anxiety Before diving too deep into worrying in relation to faith, it’s important to first differentiate between worry and anxiety. Worry can be brief or long-term, but it’s often related to a specific circumstance. Most times, it resolves after a person is able to figure out how ..read more

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, we wanted to take a moment to offer a prayer of blessing to all the mothers in our lives. At Celebrate Hope, we have seen the impact addiction and mental illness has on the women who come through our doors. Our team is consistently amazed at the strength and resilience of every mother who is in recovery or supporting someone in recovery.  The Strength of Mothers Substance use disorders and mental health issues impact all members of the family. For the mother who is battling a disorder, she is tasked with managing her own mental health while prov ..read more

If you have participated in a recovery program, such as AA, NA, or Celebrate Recovery, you are likely familiar with the Serenity Prayer. Often said at the end of a meeting, this prayer is meant to refocus those in recovery on their Higher Power or, more specifically, God. The Serenity Prayer reminds us that we are powerless on our own and are in need of God’s help in recovery. But how do we take the words of this prayer and apply them to our daily lives? Let’s look at what serenity means and the impact it has on your recovery. Finding Peace “When I finally understood the difference between ..read more