Hi, I’m Rick S. and I’ve built this website for ex-offenders, especially those whom I know, who want to continue to grow in recovery and spiritual life.
For forty years I’ve tried to help people caught in a cycle of addiction, homelessness and incarceration. Thanks to partnership with many caring people who gave their time and money, some people have found freedom and a rewarding life. Still, I wish I knew years ago what I know now due to my own experience with addiction.
Alcoholism is a progressive disease. (There’s more about that here and elsewhere on this site.) I experienced that progression myself. Before that, I doubted the idea that alcoholism is a “disease” or “allergy”. It seemed made up. But a time came when after having one drink I couldn’t stop drinking more. I had a problem I didn’t understand and couldn’t overcome despite much prayer and an honest desire to stop drinking.
After a long and futile struggle, I had to admit I am an alcoholic.
I wanted to say, “I’m alcoholic,” because the words seemed less about me and my choices. But however I labeled my problem, that confession alone wasn’t good enough.
Stuck for answers, I joined AA and discovered a spiritual truth I was overlooking.
Now as I look back I see three things:
First, I always had a strong desire for alcohol but I was able to control it with a little effort.
Second, my ability to control my drinking grew weaker over time, and whenever I resumed drinking I drank more than before.
And third, even God wouldn’t help me as long as I believed I would and could stop on my own.
During 25 years of street outreach I knew many people who had walked with God while in jail and believed they would continue living a happy sober life on the outside. Almost all relapsed within days.
I was glad I was there to ask if they still considered themselves to be Christian. Inevitably they all said some form of “Not really,” or “I don’t know”. Yet they all still believed Jesus died for the sins of the world – just not this sin.
I tried to help them understand they needed to lean more upon God’s grace, forgiveness and power especially while still actively addicted. (“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 and, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9) What I couldn’t do at the time was point them to a spiritual fellowship they could freely access when they needed and wanted it.
Sadly, I didn’t know about the spiritual depth of 12-step programs. Now, because of my personal walk and involvement in a 12-step program, I use those 12-steps to help inmates begin (or resume) their own healing process.
This website has a 12-step slant to it, but only because the steps show how anyone, not just addicts, can find daily strength and serenity from the One who is The Way.
Finally, I have to point out that visitors will benefit most by following the links found here to better websites with helpful content. Also, I have quoted a lot from other sources, especially Alcoholics Anonymous — the grand-daddy of all 12-step programs. Neither I nor this website represent or speak for any 12-step program. What I hope to do is show how the principles and practices highlighted by all these sources are for everyone not only alcoholics and drug addicts because they point the way to a full life which is only found in trusting our Maker and completely giving ourself into His care.
May you find much peace in Him!
Rick S.