I just came from a very very powerful meeting with a group of people, most of whom I didn't know. By the end of the meeting I think me and all these people, all with different problems, in different stages of life, in different marital statai (yes, I just made up a word,) had come together feeling like a family, like children of God, united in the common cause of life anchored in our Savior Jesus Christ.
I can't share the details of this meeting, because its quite confidential so that we can all feel safe and have openness and honesty. The meeting I just came from is the LDS churches Addiction Recovery Program. They have a variety of meetings, some for specific addictions, some support groups for family and spouses and some that are just general meetings. The cool thing about that is, you don't have to be a "hard core addict" or really even and "addict" to go.
Combining the sayings of multiple of the ARP Missionaries that work as facilitators and overseers for this gospel centered support group I can tell you that the Addiction Recovery Program is for everyone that has "hurts, hang ups, or stumbling blocks" And what makes it work is that its a safe place we can all get together and be honest, we can admit we aren't perfect, we don't have to pretend to be anything we are not to impress anyone else, we have honesty and vulnerability that usually turns into a testimony meeting that strengthens the soul to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary.
I go every Tuesday. I love it. I wish more people would go, but you see there is some sort of stigma attached. I am writing this to dispel the stigma. If you have pain and sorrow and trials in your life, this could help you. Gee, that kind of covers everyone.
I started going (again) because my counselor wanted me to have a support group to help me through all my emotional stuff I am working on with him on Wednesdays. There is another stigma I would like to get rid of- Its OK to go to counseling. Its OK to get your mental health in balance, in fact we should probably keep our mental health in shape just like we do our physical health. Its totally OK to have a hard time with things in life and need help.
If you do go to counseling, or to the ARP groups I have one little bit of advice from personal experience. BE HONEST. With yourself, with everyone else. It wont help you as much if you aren't honest, because honestly I think there is a portion of the healing power of the Atonement, a large part, that is only accessible by complete honesty. That requires a great deal of humility to do. It can be hard. It can be really scary, but as soon as you do it, at least from my experience healing and power comes and lifts you up higher than you had to humble yourself down to.
As a single person, I am often alone to deal with my problems, my emotions, my stressors, until I am honest about what help I need. When I can admit that I can't do everything by myself (Which I can't, believe me I have tried many many times, its not possible.) that is when I get whatever help I truly need.
Satan loves lies. He loves secrets. He loves deceit. God loves truth, honesty, humility, openness. He is wise and keeps somethings Sacred. This doesn't mean that they are hidden and unattainable it means that one must prepare themselves for them so that they can understand. We can begin to prepare ourselves for greater truth and wisdom from God by being honest in our lives, by admitting our imperfections, and by humbly seeking whatever help and support we need, rather than pretending that we do not need it.
I have been meaning to do a plug for this for a while, but my experience tonight really brought home the power of a room full of people being completely open and honest with each other. Its a powerful thing.
I can't share the details of this meeting, because its quite confidential so that we can all feel safe and have openness and honesty. The meeting I just came from is the LDS churches Addiction Recovery Program. They have a variety of meetings, some for specific addictions, some support groups for family and spouses and some that are just general meetings. The cool thing about that is, you don't have to be a "hard core addict" or really even and "addict" to go.
Combining the sayings of multiple of the ARP Missionaries that work as facilitators and overseers for this gospel centered support group I can tell you that the Addiction Recovery Program is for everyone that has "hurts, hang ups, or stumbling blocks" And what makes it work is that its a safe place we can all get together and be honest, we can admit we aren't perfect, we don't have to pretend to be anything we are not to impress anyone else, we have honesty and vulnerability that usually turns into a testimony meeting that strengthens the soul to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary.
I go every Tuesday. I love it. I wish more people would go, but you see there is some sort of stigma attached. I am writing this to dispel the stigma. If you have pain and sorrow and trials in your life, this could help you. Gee, that kind of covers everyone.
I started going (again) because my counselor wanted me to have a support group to help me through all my emotional stuff I am working on with him on Wednesdays. There is another stigma I would like to get rid of- Its OK to go to counseling. Its OK to get your mental health in balance, in fact we should probably keep our mental health in shape just like we do our physical health. Its totally OK to have a hard time with things in life and need help.
If you do go to counseling, or to the ARP groups I have one little bit of advice from personal experience. BE HONEST. With yourself, with everyone else. It wont help you as much if you aren't honest, because honestly I think there is a portion of the healing power of the Atonement, a large part, that is only accessible by complete honesty. That requires a great deal of humility to do. It can be hard. It can be really scary, but as soon as you do it, at least from my experience healing and power comes and lifts you up higher than you had to humble yourself down to.
As a single person, I am often alone to deal with my problems, my emotions, my stressors, until I am honest about what help I need. When I can admit that I can't do everything by myself (Which I can't, believe me I have tried many many times, its not possible.) that is when I get whatever help I truly need.
Satan loves lies. He loves secrets. He loves deceit. God loves truth, honesty, humility, openness. He is wise and keeps somethings Sacred. This doesn't mean that they are hidden and unattainable it means that one must prepare themselves for them so that they can understand. We can begin to prepare ourselves for greater truth and wisdom from God by being honest in our lives, by admitting our imperfections, and by humbly seeking whatever help and support we need, rather than pretending that we do not need it.
I have been meaning to do a plug for this for a while, but my experience tonight really brought home the power of a room full of people being completely open and honest with each other. Its a powerful thing.
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