Conversations about the “war on drugs,” a misguided and costly effort to shut down the supply of drugs have resurfaced. My position remains that if addicted people want something badly enough, they will find a way to get it whether it be Martinis, 16 ounce soft drinks or Hostess Twinkies. Drying up demand is the key. If we can persuade people that there is a way to treat their addictions and live a richer life we can save a lot of money and heartache. I am not suggesting that we give up law … [Read more...]
Time is Not Recyclable – Living One Day at a Time
Pathways to Serenity We’ve all got addictions. Let’s deal with them. Now When you think about it, we really don't have much choice in life than to deal with things. There is no time out in life. Everything counts. Every day. Every minute. We cannot afford to waste time. I myself spent precious years during my thirties and forties refusing to deal with things without what I perceived to be the benefit of alcohol and tranquilizers. At age 49, I finally faced up to it and after the next 34 … [Read more...]
My Name is Funky
My Name is Funky, and I’m and alcoholic By Tom Batiuk Published by Hazelden Thirty-five years ago, Tom Batiuk (rhymes with “attic”), a high school art teacher, launched his Funky Winkerbean comic strip about an amiable character with a goofy first name and an assortment of quirky friends at Westview High. There was Crazy Harry who lived in his locker, Holly Budd, the always-in-costume drum majorette and Cindy Summers, the most popular girl in school whom he eventually married, and Les Moore, … [Read more...]
Celebrate Recovery: A Growing Global Ministry Offers Hope
The time has come, and from all over the world the faithful arrive. They fill the cavernous worship center at California’s Saddleback Church, and, murmuring with anticipation, they wait. Then, with hands held high, the percussionist, barely visible behind his drum set, clicks his sticks, and the “World’s Most Dangerous Recovery Band,” through condo-sized speakers, fills the air with sound. Three thousand wildly cheering believers, many of them tattooed and some with pierced ears, noses and … [Read more...]
“Bear” Bearden Rides with Christian Bikers to Share His Faith and Message of Recovery
James “Bear” Bearden’s mission in life, he says, is “to share God, Christ and recovery,” and his multiple tattoos, biker jacket and headband proclaim it. One of the multiple patches on his jacket says loud and clear, “I ride with Jesus” and another says “ Cry Freedom John 8:32,” a biblical verse which reads, “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Should there be any doubt about the spiritual appropriateness of Bearden’s wardrobe, which is complemented by an earring and a … [Read more...]
