Hello. My name is Allie and I am a believer who has struggled and still struggles with life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups.

I am being delivered from afflictions, addictions and attitudes that are detrimental to living life to the fullest.

I say “being delivered” because the baggage that all of us carry around with us, as the result of “living life,” never completely disappears; it’s like the old sweater in the back of our closet which cannot be seen unless we decide to pull it out, hold it, feel it and then ultimately wear it.

It’s in the wearing that we find shame and sorrow and unhappiness, so we need to learn how to get rid of the old sweater, not just hide it in the close so we can retrieve it when we are feeling lonely or insecure.

In Celebrate Recovery we are given the tools to do just that!

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a program that meets every Thursday evening at First Baptist Church Vidalia.

It’s purpose is to fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the 8 Recovery Principles.

It is through this experience that we are “changed.” We open the door to healing by sharing our experiences and strengths and hopes with one another.

And as we become willing to accept God’s grace in solving our life problems, we find peace, joy and serenity, freedom from the addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors which have kept us in bondage.

Celebrate Recovery is free and open to the public.

A meal is provided at 6 p.m., followed by large group that includes music and a teaching or testimony.

After large group there are gender-specific small groups available for friends and guests who are dealing with life issues and/or chemical dependency.

Celebrate Recovery is a safe place where we can openly share without fear — anonymity and confidentiality are a requirement of participation in small group. In small groups we learn that we are not alone — we all have issues, we all struggle!

If you suffer with fear, anxiety, despair, depression, anger, lying, abuse, grief from divorce or death, codependency, guilt, procrastination, addictions such as alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, overwork, overeating, overspending or hurtful relationships, there is a safe place where you can be set free!

Your hopes and dreams can come true.

Don’t let the enemy keep you in bondage.

Don’t just leave the old sweater in the closet, get rid of it. Come to Celebrate Recovery Vidalia.

 

Allie LaBorde is a member of First Baptist Church Vidalia