Freedom from Abuse
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Welcome Home
Celebrate Recovery - Women's Group - Freedom from Abuse
Allison Park Church - 3nd Floor - Wednesday 7PM
This is a Christ - centered group for women in recovery from past physical, sexual and/or
emotional abuse. One of the keys to success in this recovery program is the coming together
of people with similar backgrounds who also have common goals and objectives. Our common
background is a history of abuse and our goal is to enter into or maintain recovery. Recovery
for us is a two-fold issue. We need healing from the traumas done to us at sometime in out
past, we also need healing from the influence these past experiences continue to have on our
present lives.
For the newcomer the rewritten 12 Steps can be a place to recognize and identify core issues
resulting from past abuse. The newcomer can receive validation, understanding and
knowledge of appropriate action to take by practicing the Steps among Christian women.
For the "old-timers", those women with the same issues but who have already begun the road
to recovery, this group can provide a place in which to continue their recovery process.
One of our objectives is to provide a supportive, safe environment. The leader alone cannot
assure that, it will have to be a group effort. We respect and acknowledge each woman's right
to be where she needs to be on her own road to recovery. We acknowledge the sensitivity we
need to have for each member of this group.
Therefore we have provided a list of reminders that are not meant to offend but hopefully
ensure the safety and anonymity of each woman present.” What you hear, let it stay here."
As with any other Christ-centered recovery group we believe that, by our participation through
active listening, sharing and application of the Steps to our lives, the Holy Spirit will guide us to
further understanding, healing and wholeness.
We are not here to lecture, preach, fix or provide therapy. We are here to tell our story. We
come together to share in our weakness, for it is in our weakness that we gain strength.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help
him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone:
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken." (NIV)
There are other advantages for coming together as a group. One is accountability. We can
look to others to honestly let us know how we are doing in our recovery. Old-timers or sponsors
can help us see where we may be stuck or provide us with a safe sounding board so that we
can hear ourselves.
Another advantage is the sharing of encouragement. The center of the word encouragement is
courage. Sometimes we need others around us who have been there to give us courage to be
where we are or to take action.
Developing a support system is integral to a this program. We find we are not alone. Others
share similar stories. Support can be expanded to include phone calls with other willing
members of the group. Support could also include seeking out a sponsor for added
encouragement.
An important advantage is the prayer support. We can together in prayer against Satan's
strongholds keeping us from maturing as Christians or keeping us from recovery. When we
come together we share spiritual gifts.
One last advantage is that together we multiply the witness of Christ. We're not an accident.
We reflect Christ's grace and love as we move through recovery.
Allison Park Church - 3nd Floor - Wednesday 7PM