Some of us go back to using a time or so before we get a real foothold on recovery. If that happens to you do not despair. Many of us have done this and have finally come through to successful recovery. Remember that relapses are possible in this disease as in others. Recovery can still follow. Even after setbacks, if you continue to want to get well and remain willing to try, our experiences convince us that you are on the path of happy,healthy destiny and that hope is still yours. (adapted from Living Sober)
Yes, relapse is a possibility for all of us. It is not, however, a necessity nor is it a killer of our recovery. What is a necessity is holding on to hope as we journey in recovery, and even more so if relapse should occur. Relapse may occur; the end of recovery need not occur. Indeed, as we hold on to hope recovery begins anew and builds on what we have already accomplished. The very fact that we relapse means that we have lived in recovery at least for some period of time. That fact alone is the basis for hope. We know we can live in recovery because we have already dont it. Acknowledging this, accepting this, how can we not be hopeful
To hold on to hope in moments such as these what is necessary is humiity. Humility reminds us that this really is a program. It is not about what can or cannot do. Humility allows me to reach out to my brother or sister and so find hope. It allows me to turn to my God to find even ore hope . It allows me to remember that hope is real because the care of my sisters and brothers and of my God is real. Hope is mine becuse I am not alone and need never be alone again!
The hope we hold on to in relapse is the very same hope we must hold on to as our journey of recovery continues. Indeed, as our recovery grows should our hope not soar? After all, recovery is not simply about not using; rather it is abour living and lining life to the full. As our recovery becomes stronger, our hope should soar to new heights! Let your hope give birth to amazing dreams. In this hope no longer look at life and ask why. Look at life and say why not.
To hold on to hope, I must give hope away. How paradoxical and how true! How else could it be in a say of living? As we live our own recovery, what else would we do when we see our brother or sister in relapsle except reach out our hand of hope? Indeed, each of us received this gift of recovery because someone gave their hope to us. We are called to do no less. Give your hope away that another might be lifted up from the depth of relapse. Give your hope away that another might replace the darknes of relapse with the light of recovery anew. Give your hope away that someone might live. Yes, when you give away your hope you may well lbe giving thge gift of life itself to your sister or brother.
As you give away hope, what hope your receive! There is hope of recalling again that even in our most troubled momements, none of us are alone. There is hope seen as light replaces darkness. There is hope as we witness the danger of death give way to the promise of life.
All of this is but a beginning. For as each of us gives hope away, we help build a new commnity of freedom and of peace. As we give ourhope to one another, we offer encouragement and enthusiasm to each other. As we give away our hope, we say loudly and clearly that the old ways are not good enough; the new dreams are within our grasp; the yet unmagined possibilities we will pursue. As we give asay our hope, we shall dream dreams. As we give away our hope we shall live dreams.
Hold on to your hope so that you may give hope
Fr. Joe McDonough, S.T.
It is with much joy and gratitude that the Hezekiah Movement celebrates the return of summer! The past months have been a time of many blessing for us. Most important, was the opening of our first Island of Hope. It is through your great generosity and support that this has happened and now more and more people are getting help in their efforts to be free from addiction. We are most thankful to you for all the help you have given. Your help in the past has been so important for us to get this far.
Besides the blessing of our new Island of Hope, we have experienced a growth in the Hezekiah Movement retreats. These retreats are providing wonderful spiritual experiences for so many in recovery who have never had such oportunities before. In addiction, more men and women are joining in with us throughout the week for prayer and meditation and they are finding suupport and encouragement as they go forward in their new life of recovery from addiction. Again all this is possible because of your care and generosity.
Your help means so much to so many. I pray that you will be filled with Easter joy. May this Summer be a time of freedom, peace, hope and new life.
In Gratitude and Peace.
Fr. Joe