Articles & Resources

Finding and Remembering My Why

This story is from Angi Cooper, who works as Program Manager for Hope is Alive in Kansas City.

Recovery is a journey that requires more than just willpower—it requires purpose. For many in recovery, that purpose is what we call our “Why.”

Our Why is the reason we choose this path every single day, despite the challenges and setbacks. It is deeply personal, a reminder of what life in recovery can bring.

What “My Why” Means in Recovery

In recovery, having a Why goes beyond simply wanting to live a sober life. It’s about understanding what we stand to gain or protect by staying on this path.

Whether it’s family, personal growth, a career, or freedom from past struggles, having a reason gives us strength to keep moving forward. Our Why becomes our anchor, holding us steady when life gets turbulent.

My Personal Why

For over 30 years, I struggled in and out of addiction. I would build a life for myself, start doing well, and then tear it all back down. This cycle of hope and despair continued until I finally chose to get the help I needed.

It was only when I surrendered completely and stepped into my calling that things began to truly change. For a long time, I felt an inner knowing that I was made for something more. But instead of leaning into that calling, I ran from it. Facing the hard truths within myself felt overwhelming, so I avoided them.

Through it all, God sustained me, even in my darkest days. He held me together, allowing me to reach this point where I can live fully and freely today. Now I am who God has called me to be—living in his purpose, not just for myself but for those I love.

I have four children and eight grandchildren, each of them a reason for me to keep going. One of them, like me, struggles with addiction, and seeing them fight the same battle has made my Why even clearer.

I want to show them—and my other children—that change is possible, that there’s a way to break the cycle and reclaim a life that feels whole and fulfilling. My Why is to create a legacy of resilience, to be someone my kids can look up to and rely on, and to finally live up to the potential I once ran from.

Today, I share hope, Jesus, and my story every chance I get. I believe the heavens may look different if I don’t. My journey is no longer just about me; it’s about the lives I might touch and the hearts that might find healing through my story.

Challenges and Staying Connected to Your Why

Recovery isn’t a straight line, and there are days when it feels hard to stay the course. Sometimes the world tests my commitment.

During those moments, reconnecting with my Why helps me refocus. I remind myself why I started, why I fought so hard to get here, and what’s at stake. Each time I do, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

To everyone on this journey: remember, your Why doesn’t have to be monumental—it just has to be meaningful to you. Take time to reflect on what drives you and hold onto that reason tightly.

In our toughest moments, it’s our Why that keeps us moving forward. I encourage you to find or revisit your Why—it’s the foundation that makes each step of this journey worthwhile.

Finding My Way Back | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

Hello, my name is Lindsay Cutbirth, an employee of the ministry Hope Is Alive and an alumna of the program. I began my journey of living in my calling a few years ago, and it has blessed my life tremendously.

The “why” behind what I do each and every day is being a mom who lost her way and became a person I did not recognize.

A Later Start to Addiction

My story may look a little different since I didn’t begin struggling with addiction until my mid-thirties. After back-to-back surgeries, I became addicted to opiates for eight years.

At that time, I had been married for 21 years, was a military wife for 15 years, and had two amazing children. We looked like an all-American family—until we no longer did.

My ex-husband began using after he retired, and with our codependent relationship, it became the perfect storm. Verbal and physical abuse entered my life, leaving me shattered and broken.

We began living out of hotels as a family. Eventually, my parents witnessed enough destruction and took me to court to gain custody of my daughter. The toxic life continued, and I turned to fentanyl and meth.

Spiraling Out of Control

My world kept unraveling. Everything I cherished had been taken, and I spiraled further into addiction.

I knew who God was, being raised as a Southern Baptist pastor’s granddaughter. But I was running from God—and from myself.

My family fought and prayed for me daily while also setting solid boundaries. Ultimately, I had to be the one to make the decision to surrender it all to God. I wasn’t sure it would work, but it was better than where I was standing at the time.

Rebuilding Through Recovery

I came close to losing my life due to health complications from addiction. After thirty-seven days of rehab, I found a new way of living my life at Hope Is Alive.

When I walked through the doors, I was broken and a shell of a person. I lived in fear of the unknown and of the future. Where would I start? How would I begin to heal?

It was a slow learning experience. I began to trust those around me and to open up—putting one foot in front of the other. At 41 years old, I was starting a new life.

My parents had adopted my daughter, and I was not allowed contact. My son was an adult and wanted nothing to do with me after the years of pain my addiction had caused. My words held no value anymore. That’s when I told my family, “Just watch me!”

It took determination and hard work every single day. I had to lay down pain and learn to forgive—not only others but also myself.

A New Calling

As I worked through my program, I accepted an internship with the very organization that had radically changed my life. In that moment, I knew God was calling me to something greater than I had ever imagined.

Blessings began to come, including the restoration of my relationship with my children. Over time, they began to trust me again and believe in what I said.

Living Out My Why

Today, I wake up every morning grateful that I get to be an example to other moms. The reason I keep fighting is because I have their backs with every challenge placed in front of them.

They want to be the moms they’ve always dreamed of being, and I want them to know it’s possible. There is nothing like seeing the light and pride shine out of them when they reconnect with their children—or hold their child for the first time in years.

That is sacrificial love, just as Jesus had for us.

I now get to witness families being brought back together and women living out the truth that Jesus is always the answer.

Through My Failures, I Succeed

Defining Myself by Failure

I am a failure. I have failed more times than I can count, and there were many times when I allowed my failures to define my reality in a self-defeating way.

I took every setback, every missed opportunity, and every moment where I had fallen short not as a building block toward success, but as a pitfall that held me back from all the wondrous things life can afford.

I was in complete despair and found myself paralyzed by the very thought of failing, so I quit attempting anything at all.

A Shift in Perspective

Then one day, God shifted my perspective.

While working on my 4th Step of AA, I began to look at all the defects of character I was exhibiting, and a fire was lit deep within me. I no longer saw these defects as a barrier, but as a checklist to becoming a better man.

I was no longer paralyzed by the thought of failing but accepted the fact that my failures don’t define me. What I do in the midst of failure does.

Embracing Failure as Growth

After this realization, I began to see every setback, every missed opportunity, and every shortcoming as a celebratory occasion. Through my failure, I was getting one step closer to success.

I shifted from a state of inaction to one of action. I took hold of every moment and understood the importance of doing rather than worrying. As long as I was doing something, I was heading toward a solution instead of wallowing in stagnation.

I became rejuvenated. My willingness to take a shot and miss, rather than take no shot at all, instilled in me a fearlessness that is unshakeable.

Learning from Great Examples

Michael Jordan once said:

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Walt Disney was once asked how he stayed motivated in the face of defeat and responded:

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all the troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

A Biblical Reminder

Even scripture encourages us to learn from our mistakes and to get back up when we fail. Proverbs 24:16 says:

“…for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”

In other words, don’t quit before the miracle happens. Don’t let fear of failure prevent you from becoming the absolute best version of yourself. Allow failure to assure you that you are on the right track and that you won’t have to relive the experience again.

There will always be another challenge waiting to help you grow, so embrace it. Celebrate your new understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Persevere and seize every opportunity for advancement in life.

Conclusion

I am a failure.

Through my failures, I succeed.

My Greatest Pain Became My Greatest Purpose | A Hope Is Alive Impact Story

Introduction

My name is Brie and I am a recovering alcoholic. Today I am blessed to work for a ministry where I get to share the gospel with people while also leading them out of the bondage of addiction.

However, there was a time when I was the one who needed rescuing. I was desperate for help but looking in all the wrong places. Let me share a quick story of what it was like, what happened, and where I am now.

A Painful Childhood

I grew up in a home that was extremely dysfunctional. I never knew my mom and dad as a couple. They split when I was a baby. My dad worked a lot and battled his own struggles, and my mom was an addict.

I was passed around to whoever could take care of me at the time, so I never felt like I belonged or had a real home.

When I was in middle school, my dad passed away. Around the same time, my stepdad was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer. During my freshman year of high school, he passed away too.

Early Addiction

Once I lost my dad, I started dabbling in anything that numbed the pain—weed, boys, self-harm, and rage. By the time I lost my stepdad, I dove even deeper into those unhealthy coping mechanisms.

I started experimenting with pills and cocaine. I left home at 14 and moved in with my boyfriend. I played varsity sports and even graduated high school early, all while maintaining my addiction.

Spiraling Further

Things only got worse. I went to college, but when my granddad got sick, I moved back home. My relationship had turned abusive, and I was struggling with an eating disorder on top of everything else.

I walked through my grandpa’s last six weeks with him before cancer took him quickly and brutally. After his passing, I spiraled into even harder drugs—fentanyl, Xanax, meth, really anything and everything.

Consequences

I went through five years of hardcore opiate addiction before getting into serious trouble with the law. Once it started unraveling, it went fast.

I moved back in with my mom, who was also in full-blown addiction. Our relationship became toxic and codependent. I was arrested multiple times for trafficking narcotics, larceny, grand theft auto, and selling drugs.

Eventually, I reached a breaking point. I was so defeated and desperate, ready to end my life in any way I could. That’s when God stepped in and did for me what I could not do for myself.

A Turning Point

God placed me in jail with no way out. From there, I went to sober living and started praying and searching for a God of my understanding. That’s when I found Jesus.

I got baptized, stepped into leadership, and began helping other women who were starting their own recovery journeys. I moved halfway across the country and started working for Hope is Alive.

Heartbreak and Healing

Then tragedy struck again. My mom passed away from her addiction. My worst nightmare came true, and I was angry, grieving, confused, and lost.

I went back to the basics—finding a home group, a sponsor, a church, a therapist, and a community. I took it one minute at a time.

Eventually, after lots of prayer, healing, and support, I forgave my mom and forgave myself. I stayed sober and healed from something I never thought I would survive.

A New Perspective

Why am I telling you this? For a couple of reasons.

First, no matter what you have walked through or are going through, there is another way—a better way.

Second, on the days I didn’t want to keep going, I remembered my mom. The person I once resented became my why and my passion.

I realized that my mom loved me deeply. She was just trying to navigate life for the first time and got lost in her own vices. Today, I know she was my biggest fan and loved me more than anything in the world.

Purpose Restored

I miss her dearly, but she is the fire in my heart and the spark in my eye for why I keep going every day. People need to be free. People need help. And there are kids out there who need their parents back.

I don’t want to stop until that is complete.

Today, I work for a ministry. I help other recovering addicts. I am married to a wonderful man. I have family restoration, no more legal troubles, a car, and a beautiful relationship with God.

My greatest pain became my greatest purpose.

So thank you, Momma, and thank you, Jesus, for turning me around and placing this calling on my life.

God’s Promises for Families of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics

Loving someone trapped in addiction can leave you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. But even in the darkest moments, God’s promises remain true.

The YouVersion Bible Reading Plan, God’s Promises for Families of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics, reminds you of God’s unshakable love and faithfulness. As you walk through the storm of addiction, this plan points you back to His truth and hope for both you and your loved one.

Start the plan here: God’s Promises for Families of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics

Hope & Healing for Families of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics

Loving someone who struggles with addiction can leave you feeling isolated, helpless, and without hope. But you don’t have to walk this road alone.

The YouVersion Bible Reading Plan, Hope & Healing for Families of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics, offers encouragement, truth, and guidance for families navigating the pain of addiction. Written by Amy LaRue, Finding Hope Coordinator for Hope Is Alive, this plan points you toward God’s comfort and lasting hope.

Start the plan here: Hope & Healing for Families of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics

Hope After Loss – Leaning on God After Losing a Loved One to Addiction

Losing a loved one to addiction brings some of the deepest pain we can experience—grief, regret, and sorrow that can feel overwhelming. But even in the darkest moments, God offers comfort and healing.

This YouVersion Bible Reading Plan, Hope After Loss, is designed to help you process your grief, lean on God’s strength, and begin the journey of restoration. Written by Kris Darrah and Amy LaRue of Hope After Loss, a ministry of Hope Is Alive, this plan offers encouragement and hope for your heart.

Start the plan here: Hope After Loss – Leaning on God After Losing a Loved One to Addiction

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10 Years Sober: Taking Steps Toward Freedom | Bible Reading Plan

Ten years ago, Lance Lang was a hopeless addict, willing to use anyone or anything just to keep using. But God intervened, leading him on a miraculous journey to rehab, recovery, and restoration.

In Ten Years Sober, Lance shares his story along with powerful spiritual lessons he’s learned along the way. This 10-day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan offers practical steps and encouragement to help you reclaim your hope.

Start the plan here: 10 Years Sober: Taking Steps Toward Freedom

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10 Day Addiction Recovery Reading Plan | Hope Is Alive

Lance Lang spent ten years trapped in addiction, eventually developing a 50-pill-a-day habit—until Jesus set him free. As he walked the God-guided road of recovery, Lance shared his story in the book Hope Is Alive and later developed this powerful 10-day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan.

Journey alongside him through Scripture and find encouragement, strength, and hope for recovery from addiction.

Start the plan here: 10 Day Addiction Recovery Reading Plan | Hope Is Alive

Staying Sober and Living in Recovery: Three Ways That Worked for Me

Getting sober was nothing I really had planned. Honestly, doing drugs and staying in addiction wasn’t either.

My childhood was rocky at first, but then my grandparents adopted me and I had a pretty good life. I didn’t want for anything, my needs were met, and I had two great role models guiding my path.

Through a series of events and what I now know to be anxiety, I picked up my first use and never looked back. My nursing career went down the drain, I ended up with several felonies on my record, and I had no one to turn to in the midst of the darkness I had created.

Getting sober wasn’t hard. I was essentially forced through the Oklahoma Court System. After that, it was up to me to stay sober—and here are three ways that I did that.

1. Get in the Middle

Something my AA sponsor told me early on was to get in the middle of the crowd. By doing that, I created a barrier to the outside world of influences and surrounded myself with like-minded people who were pursuing the same goals.

I followed the ones who had gone before me and allowed them to lay my new path in front of me, helping me achieve long-term sobriety.

2. Work a Thorough and Honest Program

For a long time, I walked around telling a lot of lies—to others and to myself. After a while, I honestly didn’t know what was true and what wasn’t anymore.

As I worked through my process addiction of codependency, part of the journey was getting my story straight. I had already dismantled many of the lies in my Alcoholics Anonymous program, but I realized I was still telling myself things that were keeping me from the authentic self-love I needed.

So I got my story straight—at a gut-wrenching, honest level.

3. Say Yes to Jesus and Let His Will Take Control

I knew who God was. My grandma was a secretary at the church. I was at every function and grew up running the halls of church.

But through my addiction, I let the ruler of this world, Satan, take over. I believed his lies and went down a path of destruction.

Early in my sobriety, I was rebaptized. From that point forward, I said yes to Jesus and committed to following His will for my life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”

A New Life

These three things gave me the beautiful life I have today. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a granddaughter again.

Jesus is my healer and guide, and I have a community of like-minded people who support me in my recovery.

I have hope today.

“If we’ll be intentional about getting free, God will be intentional about setting us free!” Philippians 4:8

Our minds can be a battleground for the enemy. After I lost my daughter to an overdose, I tried to find things that would have been worse-case scenarios. I would tell myself that it would have been worse if Lacy had died a more painful death, etc. Out of desperation, my mind searched for anything to bring some comfort. I couldn’t reason with what had happened to her, so I tried to find ways to make her death less devastating. We must be mindful of what we are capable of while trying to find comfort outside of God's provision.

What holds us back from living in freedom, the kind of freedom that only God can provide? I’m talking about freedom from the stress and anguish that can loom over us about our future. Freedom to be bold about our faith. Freedom that allows us to find peace amid the chaos.

Are there roadblocks that keep you from this freedom? If you could name one thing in your life that has a strong hold on you, one habit that might be keeping you from this freedom in Christ, write that down. Now put that piece of paper in a fire and watch it burn up. Do this as many times as you need to. This visual will help you detach from whatever ‘thing’ that stands in your way. 

God’s word shows us that our Lord is just one step away from us, the one step we must take toward him. Psalms 145:18 tells us, “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.”In grief I have found that I am in God’s hands and I can feel his arms around me. A life without my closest friend and only daughter has brought me to my knees daily. Because of this, I find gratitude knowing that God is so near, making Psalm 34:18 a reality for me: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”-Rhonda Kemp, Lacy’s mother

The Power of Community in Recovery

Recovery is often one of the most challenging journeys an individual can embark on. It requires immense courage, commitment, and perseverance, whether someone is dealing with addiction, mental health struggles, or any form of personal hardship.

While the road to recovery may be a deeply personal experience, it does not have to be traveled alone. This is where the strength of community—and particularly a church family—comes into play.

The Role of Community in Recovery

Human beings are inherently social creatures. We thrive in environments where connection, support, and understanding are present. When an individual faces the trials of recovery, community provides a sense of belonging and understanding, breaking the isolation that often accompanies struggles.

Here are three unique benefits of community in recovery:

1. Support and Accountability

Being part of a community means having a support system where individuals can share their experiences without judgment. This support often includes friends, mentors, and even trained professionals who can provide insights and feedback.

Community also fosters accountability, encouraging individuals to stay committed to their goals and take responsibility for their actions.

2. Shared Experiences

In recovery, it’s essential to know that others have faced similar challenges. Support groups bring together individuals with shared experiences, creating an environment where they can learn from one another’s triumphs and setbacks.

This shared understanding assures individuals they are not alone in their journey and motivates them to keep pushing forward.

3. Emotional Outlets

Recovery can be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with joy, sadness, frustration, and hope. Community offers a safe space to express these emotions.

In supportive settings, individuals can talk through their feelings and challenges, reducing feelings of loneliness and despair.

The Unique Role of a Church Family

While community at large plays a crucial role in recovery, the specific support offered by a church family holds unique benefits that can help individuals heal spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

1. Spiritual Guidance

Many find that combining recovery with spiritual growth can lead to transformative healing. Church families offer spiritual guidance, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper relationship with their faith.

This spiritual dimension can provide the strength and resilience needed to overcome hardships.

2. Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Church communities are often built on the foundations of love, grace, and acceptance. For individuals in recovery, this is especially important.

A church family can provide a nurturing environment where individuals feel valued and accepted, regardless of their past. This unconditional love serves as a reminder that everyone is worthy of compassion and forgiveness.

3. Opportunities for Service and Engagement

Being active in a church community can be incredibly therapeutic. Individuals often find great value in serving others or engaging in community projects.

This not only helps shift the focus away from personal struggles but also fosters a sense of purpose. Contributing to the well-being of others can be profoundly healing.

4. Education and Resources

Many churches recognize the challenges faced by those in recovery and provide resources, programs, or support groups tailored to those needs.

These programs often offer education on managing stress, coping strategies, and understanding the dynamics of recovery.

Building Connection and Trust

Creating lasting connections within a church family doesn’t happen overnight. Building trust and rapport takes time, but doing so can be incredibly beneficial in recovery.

Engage actively in church events—join a small group, attend services, or volunteer for church functions. Each interaction is an opportunity to establish bonds and feel part of something greater.

Participating in prayer groups or Bible studies can deepen understanding of faith and fellowship. Sharing personal experiences in these settings—when comfortable—can foster vulnerability and connection, ensuring individuals feel seen and heard.

Overcoming Barriers

Individuals in recovery may face internal barriers that hinder their ability to engage with a community, including feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of judgment. Recognizing these barriers and confronting them is crucial.

Healthy church families have a remarkable capacity for compassion and understanding. Many church leaders are trained to handle sensitive issues and can serve as allies in overcoming these challenges.

If a particular church doesn’t feel like the right fit, it’s important to remember that community can be found in many forms—support groups focused on recovery, faith-based organizations, or even online communities. What matters most is surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage growth.

Conclusion

In the intricate tapestry of recovery, community stands out as a vital thread. The support found in both secular and spiritual environments—particularly within a church family—provides a foundation for healing, growth, and transformation.

Recovery is undoubtedly a personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. By embracing the power of community and the invaluable guidance of a church family, individuals can forge a path toward a brighter, more fulfilling future grounded in love, acceptance, and hope.

Whether you are currently on your recovery journey or supporting someone who is, remember that connection is a powerful tool. Lean into your community, nurture those relationships, and experience the profound impact they can have in turning the struggle of recovery into a shared journey of healing.