this past Sat and Sun i was invited to go on a retreat at my church. It was called the Christ Renews His parish (womens renewal). let me just say it was fucking awesome. at first i didnt want to go because i was going to be stuck in a room with religious women for 2 days with some people that i havent seen or talked to since i was little and destroying myself. we listened to other peoples stories and how christ has been a part of their lives. it was very emotional. i cried the whole weekend and was DRAGGED to confession to confess my sins. literally dragged by my new friend Kimm. she is fucking awesome. i felt so out of place but i was so blessed to be there with people who love me and care soooooooooooooo much. and these are people that ive never met before. (most of them). they had our friends and families write letters to us telling us how proud they are of us etc etc, i got letters from people who disowned me when things got bad with the drugs and killing myself and what not and they said they are so proud of me and that they are sorry for not being there to help me. i got letters from my parents...... i havent talked to my parents since the day i stepped out of the hospital in june. i have never laughed and cried so hard in one weekend in my entire life. but the weird thing was i was the youngest one there. 3 of my best friends moms were there and i havent talked to them in a while so it was nice to hang out with them for the weekend and the "core" members of my youth group when i was a part of it were there and it was so awesome. i cant get over it. ive never felt so RELIEVED ever. its like the weight of the world has been lifted of my chest and i can finally breathe.
i am thankful for...... 1. Life - can't say that i have ever been thankful for that. 2. Friends 3. HP
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"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Hey Liz!let the love take hold,thank the God of your understanding and know that by believing in the spiritual priciples that we learn you can feel the comfort,presence and power when you 'LET GO" .NOT EASY FOR ANY OF US/// There comes a point in our lives we we make some decisions that shape us to go forward.Savor these feelings,'do the work" share the message of hope.I am really happy for you and also am anxious to watch God work in your life.....
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Wow, thanks for sharing such a lovely experience. Amazing how humankind has come to embrace spiritual healing and transformation today as a part of their lives! Spiritual retreats are not yet become a reality here in the fellowship in India, although you can say convention is one, but when I hear my Sponsor who lives in Canada talk about the regular fellowship retreats, especially my sponsorship family there going on retreats, I feel so frustrated that I'm not there, part of these experiences, but still I know for sure that we are more fortunate today, just like 12-Step literature says...
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.