I always dreamed of writing a book. Granted, this wasn’t the topic that I had in mind as a young girl sitting in front of my old Royal typewriter with my favorite paper: lilac or sour-apple green wide-ruled notebook paper, tucked into the roller. It seems that God always has his own ideas.
The thing about writing this book, on this topic, is that it has helped me grow in my relationship to God. It’s helping me to grow into the person that God had in mind in the first place. Of course, there is still a great deal of digging to do to really figure out who she is–remember we don’t graduate from this work. And, as a result of growth in these two relationships, I think I can be a better friend and family member.
That little girl inside me–the one who sat in front of the old typewriter dreaming had some pretty grandiose ideas about what launch day would look like. I even had a tentative plan set up. I was supposed to facilitate a recovery retreat at Bethany Retreat Center in Dickson, TN and my book would be launched that same weekend. But Covid happened and there were no launch events. There was no retreat. Folks suffering from addictions really struggled during the pandemic. I had a hard time imagining what God’s plan was…
In January, my husband and I both got Covid-19. Our cases weren’t serious. But, we were sick for almost three weeks. My husband lost 20 lbs. I lost 10 lbs. (Isn’t that always the case) The good news is that we both kept off the weight.Then as soon as we were able, we got vaccinated and boostered.
Instead of dreaming up plans for getting this book out there, I’m settling into waiting on God’s timing (a constant struggle) and trying respond to the growing need I see in families.It feels like Covid may be settling down and life after Covid is finding its way. In response to the struggles faced by those trying to recover in isolation I have started to schedule retreats again.
I’ve scheduled 2 retreats in Atlanta. The first one is this coming December 17-19. The second one is in in June of 2022. You can find the details on my events page. I’ve also got one here in Tennessee in October of 2022 and one in 2023 in Indiana. I’ll be at Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman Alabama signing books December 10-11 2021 during their Christmas lights festival.
This book feels so important. The epidemic problem of addiction feels very heavy right now. I know so many families who suffer. I think it’s imperative that families begin to seek recovery and find community. It is too difficult to fight this thing alone.
That is why I wrote this book. I wanted to be your companion until you found the strength to reach out for help. If there is just one thing that I wish for you to take from this book, it is hope. With hope, anything is possible. Let’s build a community of recovery that offers suffering souls a place to begin their healing journey.
I’m so grateful for opportunity to publish this book.To help celebrate, you can find my book at the Loyola Press store at a special price. If you’ve read my book, I would be so grateful if you could leave a review on Amazon. It helps the book be easier for others to find. Thank you in advance.
Jean, are these retreats for families or the person with the addiction or do they come together? Do you have information to share? I have a friend who might travel there for this.