Articles & Resources

Transformation After Losing Someone to Addiction

I love the transformation from summer to fall. The changing colors of leaves on deciduous trees are so beautiful. Then to watch them “let go” and fall to the ground is such a beautiful example of a life cycle. It’s a season of harvest and cooler temperatures, with positive impacts on ecosystems and agriculture, as well as human activities.  

However, along with the change from summer to fall can come some unsettling emotions. Before winter comes, we’ll have family gatherings and two of the year’s major holidays — and that’s before adding the emptiness, loneliness, and heartbreak left behind by the absence of our loved ones.

Personal transformation is, at minimum, very difficult. It can involve changes in beliefs and behaviors, and result from life experiences, self-reflection, or intentional efforts to evolve. Transformation based on life experiences that involve our loved ones’ absence, in my opinion, is the most difficult.

Finding comfort and hope in times of this type of transformation and sorrow can be, at the least, very challenging. The following scripture speaks to the idea that, even in the midst of grief and sorrow, there is the promise of joy and comfort that can eventually transform those feelings. It reflects the notion that grief is temporary and that with time, one can find solace and renewal.

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

It took some time, but I came to believe life can be either a “burden and a chore” or a “challenge and a joy.” The choice is ours. Life can amount to more than a string of painful days. We must “let go” of the life we had planned so we can accept the one waiting for us. This type of transformation takes time, takes heart, takes faith, and when the light comes, as it always does, we must have the willingness to enjoy the flight.

Here are a few of the things I’ve learned since starting this transformation of living without Ben:

1. I am so blessed to have been chosen to be Ben’s mom.
2. Grief and recovery have no timeline, so be patient with yourself. The transformation is slow.
3. Grief and hope can co-exist.
4. Hope is my serenity. It can heal hearts and give courage.
5. God helped me through the most intolerable, unacceptable situation. He has shown me I will be okay. It doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, because it did, and it doesn’t mean it wasn’t sad, because it was very sad. But with His help, I will recover.
6. God is full of compassion and mercy.
7. My heart and soul will always be broken, but I believe Ben would not want me to carry the burden of his disease, choices, and mistakes.
8. Try to find joy in every day, no matter how small it might be. Learn to laugh out loud again and do so with no reservations.
9. Believe in “God Winks.” On rare occasions when something occurs that others may consider odd — for example, a familiar smell, a sound, an unexplainable light, a touch, a dream — consider yourself lucky and believe it’s your loved one.
10. Last but not least, God put things and people into place so I would be introduced to Hope After Loss just at the time I needed it most. I trust He will do the same for you.

So, as we go through this season of transformation, I’ll close with this verse:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

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With hope,

Tammy Posey, Ben’s Mom

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

HIA's Facilities Team Maintains the Standard of Sober Living

It can be shocking for new residents — especially if they’ve had previous experience with sober living — to take their first step into a Hope is Alive recovery home and discover just how inviting, organized, and comfortable it is. In general, this standard of refinement is a far cry from what they were expecting.

This level of care is intentional. A warm feeling of welcome is essential to the success of the HIA program and is partially what sets it apart from other sober living facilities.

“Our primary purpose is to care for the residents in the homes,” said John Nutall, Hope is Alive’s Facilities Operations Manager. “It’s not simply keeping the home functioning — it’s caring for the home and demonstrating to our residents the level of attention and detail and maintenance so they know they’re cared for and that they matter.”

For John, this purpose was solidified before he was ever on staff at Hope is Alive.

“Being a former resident myself, when I first came into HIA, I wanted to get sober, but I wasn’t sold out that a faith-based program could do me any good,” John said. “But here were other people in the house who had some sobriety behind them, and it was a nice, clean, beautiful home. I’m a very clean person by nature anyway, so to walk into a home where the residents weren’t stacked like cordwood in there, the home was clean, well-kept, and well-maintained… it helped keep me in the home to the point where I graduated.”

Maintaining Hope is Alive’s 26 homes takes an incredible amount of work, but it’s work that is well worth the effort for HIA’s dedicated Facilities Team.

“We’re continually upgrading these homes,” John said. “New furnishings, new fixtures, ceiling fans, lighting, décor… we don’t want them to look dated. Nothing’s broken, the showers always work, the heat’s always on.”

Most (if not all) of HIAs homes were intended as single-family residences, and while each resident is treated like family, well, each home is like a big family of many people. Which means things like refrigerators, washers and dryers, and plumbing get more of a workout than in a standard home.

“That many people in a house is a strain on your plumbing system, so we’re always clearing clogs or snaking lines,” John said. “A lot of these residents haven’t experienced convenience in a while. They’ve been homeless or squatted for so long, so it’s a big thing to know you can take a shower and the hot water will be there or the lights will turn on when you flip the switch. A lot of people don’t think about those things, but to our residents, that’s a big deal.”

John relishes the opportunity to go into the homes and interact with those in the HIA program because he knows his testimony has a major influence on the residents he gets to care for and speak with.

“A lot of these residents know my story, that I was there too, so interacting with them is great. I don’t have to go into these homes, I get to."

If it hadn’t been for Hope is Alive and coming to this program,” he continued, “I probably wouldn’t even be alive. This program saved my life and gave me back something I lost decades ago, and now I have the opportunity to give back to others what HIA gave to me.”

The Gift of Jesus: A Five-Day Devotional for the Holidays

The winter holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but if we’re honest, they can feel overwhelming. Between the busyness of traditions and the stress of finishing a year, it’s easy to miss the heart of it all. If you feel anxious about the upcoming holidays, this five-day devotional is for you. Take a moment to slow down and remember what the season is really about: the gift of Jesus.

Start the plan here: The Gift of Jesus: A Five-Day Devotional for the Holidays

A Hope is Alive Holiday Meal Inspired by The Healing Center

At Hope is Alive, the holidays aren’t just a season — they’re a feeling. They’re the smell of something warm drifting through the kitchen, the sound of laughter around a crowded table, and the comfort of knowing you belong somewhere. They remind us why community matters and why gathering around a meal can be such a powerful part of healing.

That same spirit is woven into The Healing Center, a key part of our Hope is Alive family. The Healing Center is HIA’s upcoming addiction recovery center — a place built around the belief that healing happens when we care for the whole person.

Because food is such an important part of whole-person healing, this holiday meal was inspired by the principles that will guide The Healing Center. The Healing Center’s executive chef, Elijah Summers, has thoughtfully crafted this menu to reflect the kind of nourishment clients will experience at The Healing Center.

Appetizer: Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs

If you’re looking for a holiday appetizer that feels nostalgic and a little chef-y, these Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs hit the sweet spot — literally. A glossy, ruby-red cranberry glaze made with fresh berries, orange zest, ginger, and a whisper of cayenne transforms simple turkey meatballs into a crowd-pleasing bite that looks as stunning on the platter as it tastes.

While these meatballs are definitely party food, there are several intentional choices that make them more balanced than typical holiday appetizers.

1. Using ground turkey instead of fattier ground beef or pork:
   
   • Lowers saturated fat, which can be helpful given how rich the rest of the holiday menu usually is.
   • Provides high-quality protein, which supports satiety and helps steady blood sugar when eaten with the sweet glaze.
   • Delivers B vitamins (like niacin and B6) and selenium, important for energy metabolism and cellular protection.
2. The ricotta, egg, and bread mixture (a kind of panade) makes the meatballs tender while adding:
   
   • Calcium and protein from the ricotta.
   • A small amount of carbohydrates from the bread to balance the protein and give a pleasant texture.
3. The cranberry glaze isn’t just sugar:
   
   • Cranberries are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which have been studied for supporting urinary tract health and modulating inflammation and oxidative stress.
   • Orange zest brings vitamin C and additional flavonoids.
   • Ginger may support digestion and has its own anti-inflammatory properties.
   • Cayenne provides a little capsaicin, which can gently boost circulation and metabolism in small amounts.

On its own, this recipe isn’t a probiotic powerhouse. But it does include ingredients that can play a supportive role for gut health, especially as part of a diverse holiday spread.

The polyphenols from the cranberries and orange zest often reach the colon partially undigested, meaning they can serve as substrates for gut bacteria, which break them down into beneficial metabolites. These metabolites (like certain short-chain fatty acids and other compounds) not only help support the gut barrier but also influence inflammation and immune function in a positive way.

Additionally, this recipe contains several spices that support digestion. Ginger in particular is traditionally used to support digestive comfort and mild inflammation as well as reduce nausea. Cayenne (in small amounts) can stimulate digestive secretions and circulation. 

While these are subtle effects in appetizer-sized portions, they are still important health benefits that will be considered in every facet of The Healing Center’s clients’ diets because of how impactful they can be for recovery and overall wellness. 

From a microbiome and metabolic perspective, starting a holiday meal with protein, spices, and polyphenol-rich glaze is typically better than:

• Crackers and just cheese
• Breads and creamy dips
• Purely sugary starters

So, are you ready to give these Cranberry Glazed Meatballs a try?

Ingredients

For the cranberry glaze

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to defrost)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, to taste

For the meatballs

• 2 large slices white bread, crusts removed, bread torn into small pieces (approximately 1 cup, packed or 2 ounces of bread, can sub 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Generous 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 scant teaspoon fennel seeds
• Flour for dusting, optional
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Make the cranberry glaze:
   
   1. Mix all of the glaze ingredients except the cayenne in a small pot. Mix well and simmer until most of the berries have burst, about 15 minutes.
   2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing the cranberry mush against the strainer with the side of a rubber spatula (be sure to scrape the outside of the sieve with the spatula). Add cayenne to taste.
2. Prepare the meatballs:
   
   1. While the cranberries are cooking, prepare the meatballs. 
      
      1. In a small bowl, add the torn bread and sprinkle it with the milk. Use a fork to pulverize the bread a bit. 
      2. In a large bowl, use the same fork to whisk together the ricotta and the egg until smooth. Add the ground turkey, salt, thyme, fennel seeds, and milk-sprinkled bread.
      3. Gently mix with your (clean) hands until the ingredients are all incorporated. Don't overwork the meatball mixture or the meatballs will become too dense.
   2. Gently roll the meatball mixture in balls about 1 inch wide with the palms of your hands and set them on a baking sheet or large plate.
   3. Heat the oil in a wide sauté pan on medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs, taking care not to crowd the pan, and brown them all over. Use a fork to gently nudge the meatballs, turning them.
      
      1. Note that the meatballs will probably be a bit on the wet side, which may cause some splattering as you cook them in the oil. To reduce that, you may want to sprinkle some flour on the meatballs or roll them in flour, before they go in the pan. Add more oil to the pan as needed.
3. Finish and serve:
   
   1. Once the meatballs are browned and the glaze has been strained, add the glaze to the pan with the meatballs. Let simmer, uncovered, until the glaze reduces a bit and the meatballs cook through, about 5 minutes.
      
      1. If the glaze during this process is too thick, add a little water. If too thin, let it simmer a little longer. Remove the meatballs to a serving dish and pour any remaining cranberry glaze from the pan over top.
   2. Serve and enjoy!

Appetizer: Brûléed Brie Crostini

Built on crisp, buttery baguette slices, each bite of this delicious appetizer layers creamy brie and jewel-toned cherry jam under a glassy, caramelized sugar top. It’s everything people love about baked brie at Christmas gatherings, reimagined as a one-handed, pass-around bite.

While this appetizer feels indulgent, there are several thoughtful nutritional upsides packed into each bite.

1. Brie provides:
   
   • Protein, which helps with satiety and slows the absorption of sugars from the jam and caramelized sugar.
   • Calcium and phosphorus, which support bone health.
   • Some vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
   • In appetizer portions, the fat in brie also helps guests feel satisfied with a few bites rather than overloading on heavier dishes later.
2. Cherries, especially tart or dark sweet varieties, are rich in:
   
   • Anthocyanins and other polyphenols, which act as antioxidants.
   • Compounds that have been studied for supporting heart health and helping regulate inflammation and oxidative stress.
3. If the chef uses a whole-grain or partially whole-grain baguette, it adds:
   
   • Fiber, which supports digestion and helps moderate blood sugar response.
   • Complex carbohydrates for a gentle energy boost at the start of the meal.

This appetizer isn’t a “gut health” dish in the typical yogurt-and-kombucha sense, but it can still support the gut microbiome. 

Brie is a soft-ripened cheese, and its rind is formed by molds used in cheesemaking (such as Penicillium species). These aren’t the same as the classic live-culture probiotics in yogurt, but traditional aged cheeses can contain beneficial or neutral microbes that contribute to microbial diversity when eaten as part of a varied diet, and the fats in cheese can help carry fat-soluble nutrients that support overall health.

Additionally, the polyphenols in cherries may act as prebiotic-like compounds. Many polyphenols aren’t fully digested in the small intestine and reach the colon, where gut bacteria help break them down. In return, bacteria can produce beneficial metabolites (like short-chain fatty acids) that help maintain the gut lining and support a healthy immune response.

Plus, it tastes good! It can’t get any better than that!

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, cut into 1/2"-thick slices
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup cherry jam
• 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie, cut into 1/3"-thick pieces
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread bread with a thin layer of butter and arrange on a baking sheet.
2. Bake bread until toasted and golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.
3. Spread toast with jam. Place a slice of brie on top, trimming to fit as needed. Sprinkle brie with 1 scant tablespoon granulated sugar.
4. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize sugar.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Side Dish: Balsamic Roasted Carrots

These Balsamic Roasted Carrots will bring color to your Christmas table with almost no extra effort. Whole carrots are halved and roasted at high heat with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey until tender and caramelized, then finished with fresh rosemary and thyme. The result is a side dish that tastes as festive as it looks — and is healthier than you would ever imagine. 

Even if the honey drizzle is modest, roasting concentrates the carrots’ natural sweetness without adding a lot of sugar, making this dish one of the more nutrient-dense, “everyday healthy” dishes on a typical Christmas menu.

For starters, rosemary and thyme contribute more than aroma. They contain polyphenols and antioxidants that may help fight oxidative stress in the body. These herbs also add intensity of flavor without extra salt, keeping the dish flavorful but not sodium-heavy. Additionally, balsamic vinegar adds acidity and depth with very modest calories.

That’s not to mention the other health benefits…

1. Carrots are rich in:
   
   • Beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, supporting vision, immune function, and skin health.
   • Fiber, especially when eaten in larger, whole pieces, supporting digestion and fullness.
   • Potassium, which helps with fluid balance and blood pressure.
2. Using olive or avocado oil instead of butter or heavy cream adds:
   
   • Primarily monounsaturated fats, which are associated with heart health when used in place of saturated fats.
   • Fat that helps the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients like beta-carotene from the carrots.

Needless to say, this is one of the more gut-friendly sides on a holiday table.

The combination of carrots, rosemary, thyme, and balsamic vinegar (from grapes) adds a variety of plant compounds and polyphenols to the meal — which gut bacteria thrive on.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots, whole, washed
• 1 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or more to taste
• 1 ½ Tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plain or flavor infused honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, leaves removed

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove stem from carrots and slice in half, lengthwise.
3. Arrange carrots on a baking sheet and toss with oil, balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of honey, and salt and pepper.
4. Roast for about 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.
5. Turn carrots, making sure to coat in remaining drippings, drizzle a little more honey, rosemary and thyme over the top and toss to coat. Use a paper towel to soak up any residual fluids on the bottom of the pan, allowing the carrots to roast instead of steam. Return to the oven for 20-30 more minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Side Dish: Creamy au Gratin Potatoes

Our chef chose Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes as a Christmas side because it delivers exactly what guests crave on a winter holiday: layers of tender potatoes, sweet onion, and velvety cheddar sauce baked until bubbling and golden at the edges. 

Beneath its comfort-food exterior, this classic casserole offers quite a few nutritional perks.

1. Russet potatoes provide:
   
   • Complex carbohydrates, which are a primary energy source (nice for a long holiday day).
   • Potassium, which helps support healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
   • Vitamin C. 
   • Some fiber, especially if you leave the skins on or use thin-skinned potatoes (even if this recipe peels them, the base ingredient is a whole food, not a refined starch).
2. Onions contain:
   
   • Prebiotic fibers like inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). These fibers help feed beneficial gut bacteria, even in small amounts.
   • Antioxidant compounds (like quercetin) that support overall health.
3. The cheddar cheese and milk-based sauce contribute:
   
   • Protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you feeling fuller.
   • Calcium and phosphorus for bone and tooth health.
   • Vitamin B12 from dairy, which is important for nerve function and red blood cell production.
   • Fat, which makes the dish satisfying, so a smaller serving can still feel indulgent.

Is this a “gut health” dish by itself? Not really. But in the context of a holiday meal, it can still fit into a gut-friendly pattern because of the benefits of the onions and the fermented dairy.

Onions are one of the classic foods that contain prebiotic fibers, special types of carbohydrates humans don’t fully digest but gut bacteria love. Those bacteria ferment the fibers and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which help support the integrity of the gut lining, modulate inflammation, and provide energy to colon cells. Even though the onions are a smaller component, every bit of prebiotic fiber adds up over the course of a day.

Cheddar is a fermented dairy product. While it doesn’t usually contain the same level of live cultures as yogurt or kefir, traditionally made cheeses can contain beneficial or neutral bacteria from the fermentation process.

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese 

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter.
3. Layer 1/2 of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish; season with salt and pepper.
4. Layer onion slices over top, then top with remaining potatoes. Season again with salt and pepper.
5. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and salt; cook, whisking constantly, until raw flour flavor has cooked off, about 1 minute.
6. Gradually add milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition to incorporate; the gradual addition and whisking of milk will help avoid lumps in your sauce.
7. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Stir in cheese all at once; cook, stirring constantly, until melted, 30 to 60 seconds.
9. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
10. Bake until potatoes are tender and sauce is bubbly, about 1 ½ hours.
11. Serve and enjoy!

Dessert: Salted Chocolate Tart with Kettle Chip Crust

This Salted Chocolate Tart with a Kettle Chip Crust is the dessert your holiday table has been waiting for. With its buttery crust made from sea salt kettle chips that cradles a baked semisweet chocolate filling, all crowned with a glossy layer of bittersweet ganache and a final shower of flaky sea salt, this dessert is the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

The kettle chip crust is the hook. Instead of a traditional cookie or pastry base, you get crunchy, salty, buttery chips pressed into a crust that contrasts silky chocolate layers. That salty edge makes the dark chocolate filling and ganache taste more chocolatey, using the same principle as salted caramel or chocolate-covered pretzels.

This is absolutely a treat, not a “healthy” dessert. However, there are elements that affect how your body handles it.

Using semisweet and bittersweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate increases the consumption of polyphenols (antioxidant compounds found in cocoa). Cocoa polyphenols have been studied for potential benefits related to vascular health and modulating oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Plus, using semisweet and bittersweet chocolate also give the dessert a deeper flavor that allows the chef to rely more on cocoa intensity and less on added sugar for impact.

Between the heavy cream, eggs, butter, and chocolate itself, you also get a decent amount of fat and a bit of protein. While this makes the tart rich, it also slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach) and helps blunt the sharpest spikes in blood sugar you’d see from a sugary, low-fat dessert.

When eaten after a balanced meal with fiber, protein, and veggies, this kind of dessert fits more comfortably into the body’s metabolic rhythm than, say, a few cookies eaten on an empty stomach.

While no one pretends this is a gut-health superfood, even a decadent dessert can be part of a microbiome-friendly lifestyle when the bigger picture is right.

Cocoa contains polyphenols that are not fully absorbed in the small intestine, instead travelling to the colon, where gut bacteria help break them down. In return, these bacteria produce beneficial metabolites that may support gut barrier function and lower inflammation and potentially encourage the growth of certain helpful bacterial species.

From a real-world perspective, allowing for intentional, enjoyable desserts can reduce cycles of restriction and overeating. A stable, sustainable way of eating where most meals are fiber- and plant-rich, with occasional, satisfying treats tends to support a more stable gut environment over time.

Ingredients

For the Potato Chip Crust

• 8 ½ ounces Kettle Chips Sea Salt flavor (that's 1 bag worth)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• ¼ cup all purpose flour

For the Chocolate Filling

• ¼ cups heavy cream
• 10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Ganache topping

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

For the Kettle Chip Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. In a food processor, pulse the potato chips until they are finely ground. Add the melted butter and flour and pulse for 30 seconds to combine. 
3. Press the potato chip crust into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan.
4. Transfer to the pre-heated oven and bake for 12 minutes. 
5. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

For the Chocolate Filling

1. Combine the cream and chocolate chips in a medium pot over medium heat and warm the cream until the chocolate starts to melt. Whisk these 2 ingredients together until completely smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla and salt and continue to whisk until smooth over medium heat.
2. Once smooth, remove the pot from the heat and pour the Chocolate Filling mixture into the cooled tart shell and place it back into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. 
3. Remove it from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.

For the Chocolate Ganache topping

1. Heat the cream in a small saucepan and add the chocolate. Whisk together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and all the chocolate has melted.
2. Pour this mixture over the middle of the chocolate tart and use an offset spatula to spread it around in a swoopy motion. 
3. Let the entire tart chill in the refrigerator until cold. 
4. Dust with flaky sea salt before slicing and serving.

A Holiday Meal Inspired by The Healing Center

At Hope is Alive, we believe healing happens in the everyday moments, including around kitchen tables. This holiday menu, inspired by the future heart of The Healing Center, reflects exactly that. 

This is the kind of care our clients will experience inside The Healing Center. Thoughtful. Restorative. Whole-person focused. The same heart that goes into a holiday meal will go into every moment of their recovery.

As you gather with the people you love this season, we hope these recipes spark conversations, create memories, and remind you of the hope that is alive in all of us.

Fighting Addiction with Resilience

“Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:24

Resilience: A quality that empowers us to face challenges, adapt to change, and emerge stronger from life’s storms.

I don’t think there’s a challenge any tougher than losing a loved one to addiction. And oh, how I understand that it can be so difficult to keep your focus and trust in God. But having faith during these challenges is part of a larger purpose that can instill hope in our resilient journey.

As we know all too well, resiliency is the ability to cope with change, loss, and trauma. Building resiliency takes time and effort and is a lengthy process. Setbacks are a natural part of the process, too. If you experience a setback, it’s important to be mindful and recognize it. Be patient with yourself and intentionally focus on self-care. It just might be during your darkest moments that you discover your inner strength.

As we navigate difficulties, let’s remember to lean into our faith and connect with a community that has similar experiences and that provides a sense of belonging. In my opinion, there’s no better community than Hope After Loss. I truly believe God put things and people into place so I would be introduced to Hope After Loss just at the time I needed it most.

There are incredible members in our Hope After Loss community whose stories of resilience, kindness, and determination inspire us all. Let’s lean into our supportive network, and together we will be a beacon of hope that will propel one another towards brighter horizons.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

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With hope,

Tammy Posey, Ben’s Mom

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Talor Gooch Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Help Launch HIA’s Healing Center

Hope is Alive Ministries is proud to announce a transformational partnership with the Talor Gooch Foundation, which has pledged $500,000 to support the development of HIA’s most ambitious project to date — The Healing Center.

Set across a thoughtfully designed campus, this transformative 45-day recovery center marks a bold beginning for those ready to reclaim their lives from addiction. The center will feature a dozen buildings, including retreat centers, resident lodges, recreational spaces, a sanctuary, and specialized teaching lodges — all designed to foster healing, growth, and long-term recovery for drug addicts and alcoholics seeking radical life change.

As part of this partnership, HIA is honored to name the men’s therapy lodge “The Stable by The Talor Gooch Foundation.” Over the past six months, this once unremarkable space has undergone an unimaginable transformation. Soon, it will serve as the heart of men’s recovery — a beacon of hope for countless men beginning their sobriety journey. Once completed, The Stable will become the dedicated home for all men’s therapeutic programming for years to come.

“After meeting Lance and Ally (HIA founders) years ago, my wife and I felt called to help HIA make generational change,” said professional golfer Talor Gooch. “The things they do day in and day out are exceptional. To be able to help them in this mission is our honor. Getting parents and young people back to their spouses, families, and loved ones is something I want to be a part of.”

We are deeply grateful for the Talor Gooch Foundation’s generosity and belief in the life-changing work of Hope is Alive. Thanks to their support, our vision is becoming a reality. There is hope in the fight against addiction!

Radical Life Change: The Heartbeat of Hope is Alive

At Hope is Alive, we talk a lot about radical life change — and for good reason. We see it happening every single day. We get to watch men and women rediscover their confidence, rebuild relationships, and create futures they never thought they’d have.

In our homes, residents learn what a life of sobriety looks like.‍

They learn to lean on community, build healthy coping habits, and take real steps toward healing. They learn to manage finances, set personal boundaries, practice spiritual disciplines, and give back to not only the addiction community, but their local community.

In our homes, residents learn to rebuild their lives with structure, accountability, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose.

If you want to see this kind of transformation in action, watch the short video below. It captures the heart of our mission and the incredible hope rising in the lives of our residents.

This is what hope looks like.

This is what radical life change sounds like.

This is the heartbeat of Hope is Alive.

The Serenity in Surrender

“God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change; COURAGE to change the things I can; and WISDOM to know the difference.”

If you’ve ever loved someone who battles addiction, you’ve probably found yourself reciting this prayer more times than you can count. I know I have. There were countless nights I whispered it through tears, not even sure what I was really asking God for — just knowing I couldn’t keep carrying the weight anymore.

The History of the Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer dates back to the early 1930s when theologian Reinhold Niebuhr first wrote it for a sermon. It soon made its way to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) through one of its early members and was quickly adopted by the recovery community. By the mid-1940s, it had spread far and wide — printed on cards for soldiers during WWII and prayed by millions across the world.

It’s amazing how one short prayer can bring so much hope. And it’s no surprise it’s become foundational to recovery. It’s a daily reminder that peace isn’t found in control, but in surrender.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.”

When I first heard this line, I thought I understood it. But it wasn’t until I had to accept things I never wanted to — that my loved one had relapsed, that I couldn’t make him choose sobriety, that our family life would look different — that I really began to understand what serenity meant.

Serenity isn’t pretending everything’s okay. It’s finding peace even when it’s not.

It’s realizing that control is an illusion and that my job isn’t to fix others. Rather, my job is to trust God with what’s out of my hands.

When life feels out of control, we often respond in extremes — some of us work harder to control every detail, while others throw our hands up and give up completely. But true serenity comes when we surrender the outcome to God and let Him be God.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NIV

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

Letting go wasn’t easy for me. But each time I chose to stop trying to manage the chaos and instead hand it to God, I felt a little more peace take root. That’s serenity — and it starts with acceptance.

“The courage to change the things I can.”

When my loved one first went to treatment, I thought the hard part was over. But I quickly learned recovery wasn’t just his journey — it was mine too. I had to face my own patterns of control, fear, and enabling. And that took courage.

Courage doesn’t always look loud or brave. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s showing up for counseling when you’d rather stay numb. It’s setting a boundary and keeping it. It’s choosing peace over chaos, even when it hurts.

God calls us to be strong and courageous — not because we can handle everything, but because He goes with us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Courage means changing what we can — our responses, our boundaries, our healing — and leaving what we can’t to God.

“And the wisdom to know the difference.”

For years, I thought wisdom meant having all the answers. But now I see it’s more about discernment, learning when to act and when to be still.

When I finally accepted that I couldn’t change someone else’s choices, I asked God daily for the wisdom to know where my responsibility ended and His began. Wisdom isn’t something we muster up — it’s something God gives freely to those who ask.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 NIV

The Serenity Prayer is more than words — it’s a way of living. A rhythm of surrender, courage, and trust.And every time I pray it, I’m reminded that peace doesn’t come from fixing someone else’s brokenness. Peace comes from letting God work in mine.

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With hope,

Darcie Stephens, Finding Hope Coordinator

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

From Desperation to Lasting Recovery: 10 Years of Hope in the HIA Women’s Program

When Ally Lang first encountered the world of addiction, she didn’t fit the expected profile. She wasn’t an addict. She didn’t work in the medical field, and she knew nothing about addiction recovery. She was an event planner who was also a faithful Christian. So, how did she go from creating vision boards and coordinating linens to befriending heroin addicts and helping build a revolutionary addiction recovery program for women at Hope is Alive?

The Need for Hope

Fifteen years ago, Ally was dating an addict, (now her husband) Lance Lang. She supported him through his journey to sobriety, having no idea how much his addiction would shape her own future.

“It was an eye-opening experience to realize the trauma that friends and family members go through when dealing with someone in addiction, not knowing if our loved ones are going to be dead or alive that day,” Ally said. “There were so many times where I would go over and just check his pulse to see if he was still breathing and then leave, and he would have no idea I had been there.”

When Lance finally returned to work, sober, Ally realized just how much trauma she was carrying. They weren’t married. They didn’t have kids together. Yet she had stayed with a drug addict.

“I finally understood during my treatment for codependency what recovery was and what it meant for someone to have something outside of themselves control their entire life, whether that be substances, emotional issues, or something else,” Ally remembered.

After Ally came back from her treatment, she traveled with Lance as he began sharing his story in churches across Oklahoma. She sold copies of his book, Hope is Alive, from a booth at each event. One mother after another would approach with stories about their sons, and Ally offered them a clear path: detox, treatment, sober living. It was the same path Lance had walked.

But when those same brokenhearted mothers came with stories about their daughters, Ally didn’t have anything to give them. There was no clear path to walk down.

“I saw the desperation in these mothers’ faces when we told them that we didn’t have anywhere for their daughters to go,” Ally shared.“I saw the need for a women’s program, but I felt like it wasn’t my problem at the time. And then God made it my problem.”

Opening the First Women's Home

Ten years ago, the landscape of addiction recovery primarily focused on the needs of men, leaving a painful gap in resources for women. After turning away desperate mothers time and time again, Ally knew something had to give.

“I’m not a drug addict or alcoholic, so I had never felt like this was a calling on my life,” Ally said. “That is, until that August day in 2015 when God completely wrecked me, and I wrote the email to Lance that changed everything.”

When Ally shared her vision for a women’s program with Lance, he knew he didn’t have the capacity or resources to handle it on his own, but he thought it had a lot of potential. He gave her two conditions: one, she would need to raise $50,000 to launch it, and two, she wouldn’t be paid to do it.

Ally accepted the challenge and devised a plan to raise the money, not realizing how difficult it would be. She started by hosting luncheons for women in the community, asking them to bring friends and donate to her vision. By the fourth event, they had raised only $1,000. Ally and Lance began to wonder if maybe God didn’t want this to happen after all.

But at that fourth event, God moved unexpectedly.

“There was a woman who looked like she wanted nothing to do with us the entire time,” Ally recalled. “She ran out the door as soon as it was over. Then the host brought us a check [from the woman] for $50,000.”

In an instant, the women’s program was no longer a far-off dream. With funding in hand, Ally began searching for the first women’s house. They weren’t in a position to buy, and landlords were less than eager to lease to a group of women in recovery. Door after door closed — sometimes because the house wasn’t right, other times because the owner wasn’t willing to take the risk.

After looking at 30 different properties, Ally was just about ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, house number 31 had potential.

“I walked into the house, and it was absolutely perfect,” Ally remembered. “The landlord told me it was already under contract, but asked for my email just in case. When I sent it, he noticed that my email address was for Hope is Alive and wrote back, ‘Do you know Lance Lang? I gave him the first lease on his very first Hope is Alive house in Oklahoma City. If this is what you want it for, go save some lives.’”

The first female resident came from Wichita, Kansas, Ally’s hometown. The resident’s mother had been following Hope is Alive for years. When she walked through the home, she was in tears.

“I thought I would be dropping my 18-year-old daughter off at a disgusting little house,” she told Ally. Instead, her daughter got to heal in a beautiful, safe home in a respectable neighborhood.

From day one, the women’s program was full and quickly grew to a waitlist. Within two years, HIA opened a second women’s home in Oklahoma City, which filled just as quickly. God didn’t just give Ally the vision for the women’s program — He provided the money, the houses, the women to fill them, and the staff to support the mission.

Rewriting Addiction Recovery

“Your heart aches for them to win,” Ally said. “But you also see the devastation when some don’t make it.”

This is the brutal reality of addiction recovery. Sobriety isn’t easy. Every victory is hard-earned, and every relapse leaves a mark. It didn’t take long for Ally to realize that the women needed more than a bed, a curfew, and a meeting schedule.

“We were calling it the Hope is Alive program,” she said, “but it wasn’t a program. It was just rules and structure.”

In just a few weeks, Ally built what became the Hope is Alive Recovery Model — a holistic path that didn’t stop at sobriety but aimed to rebuild every part of a woman’s life.

“Most places just tell you to stop drinking and using,” she explained.“We say, ‘Let’s create a life so good you never want to escape from it again.’”

HIA’s Recovery Model goes deeper than surface-level sobriety. It addresses the root issues that fuel addiction, which can be just as destructive as chemical dependency. This means tackling process addictions — patterns like pornography, workaholism, eating disorders, or unhealthy relationships — and unresolved trauma, whether it be a “big T” trauma like abuse or a “little t” trauma like a hurtful comment. The incorporation of faith also makes HIA’s Recovery Model unique.

“I wrote a program that works all the way back from ‘I am a raging drug addict and alcoholic’ to ‘this is who God created me to be,’” Ally said. “Somewhere along the line, something happened to me that I had no control over, that shifted the trajectory of my life, that led me here, but it doesn’t have to define me anymore... And that was where the program was born.”

When Ally first pitched her curriculum, Lance wasn’t convinced her approach would work. But, he gave his blessing for her to try it with the women’s home, and it wasn’t long before radical life change in the residents became undeniable. The women were embracing a new beginning in Christ and fresh dreams for their futures.

“We opened people’s eyes to a whole new sector of recovery for women in Oklahoma,” Ally shared. ”We changed the landscape for men’s recovery, too.”

When the men in the HIA program saw the women growing in confidence and setting bold goals, they wanted the same for themselves. Eventually, the Recovery Model was expanded to the men’s homes, making it the heartbeat of HIA's approach to long-term recovery.

Restoring One Woman at a Time

“When we started the program, I wasn’t a mom,” Ally said. “Looking back on it, having my own kids now, it is so profound to see what God was doing in our lives.”

She remembers Saturdays at the first women’s home vividly: they were alive with the sound of children’s laughter. Because HIA was able to offer a safe place for visitation, the home would often be filled with little ones running through the halls, playing in the yard, and wrapping their arms around their moms. Many of these children had gone years without being able to visit their mother in a stable environment. To witness those reunions and see those relationships thriving became one of the most powerful and unforgettable parts of Ally’s journey.

“It’s just incredible for me to watch these stories unfold, and that’s the women’s program story over and over again,” Ally said.

Amanda White was one of the first women to walk through the doors of the first HIA’s women’s home. She arrived carrying the weight of 13 failed treatment attempts. At intake, she told Ally, “This is no different. Nowhere else has worked for me, and this won’t either.” Amanda’s parents had spent unspeakable amounts of money on treatment, and hope felt impossibly out of reach. Still, Ally encouraged her to give the program a chance. Amanda stuck around and has been sober since the day she moved in — more than seven years ago. Today, she is happily married to another HIA alum, and they have one son.

Stories like Amanda’s strengthened Ally’s belief that transformation was possible. But one particular experience completely changed her perspective on addiction recovery. The woman had come to HIA straight from prison, not having seen her children in three years. A staunch atheist, she would openly challengeAlly at every Sunday meeting. Week after week, their debates about the existence of God became so common that the other residents would ask, “Are you two going to argue the entire time?”

This went on for seven months. Then, one afternoon, Ally stopped by for a one-on-one session. The woman looked at her and asked,“Hey ... what if you’re right?” Ally laughed and replied, “Wouldn’t that be crazy?” The woman said, “I think I’m ready,” and repeated the salvation prayer after Ally.

Two weeks later, Ally had the privilege of baptizing her, which revolutionized Ally’s view of women working through recovery.

“It showed me that everyone, no matter who it is, is worth investing into,” she said. “No matter how angry they are, how hurt they are by the church, how many drugs they’ve done, how messed up their body is from cutting and using, they are never too far gone for God to step in and rescue them. This is a program with eternal impact. Because I showed up that day, I’ll get to experience heaven with this woman.”

A Decade of Hope and Counting

From that very first women’s home in Oklahoma City to a growing network of safe places for women to heal, the Hope is Alive women’s program has shown what can happen when faith meets addiction recovery. Over the past decade, women have walked in carrying the weight of addiction, trauma, and hopelessness, and they’ve walked out with restored families, renewed faith, and a future they never thought they’d have.

Even as the landscape of addiction shifts, Ally believes the heart of the program will remain the same.

“Drugs are always going to change,” she said. “Everything’s more readily available than it’s ever been before. Everything’s deadlier than it’s ever been before. But the truth is, the program won’t have to change because the program teaches you to believe all the things that God already says about you. And that never changes.”

When You Can’t Fix It, Be Still

Last week, we talked about how hard it can be to be still — especially when life feels out of control. I shared how, during my ex-husband’s addiction, I spent so much time trying to fix, manage, and carry everything myself. I thought my constant motion was helping, but it was actually keeping me from letting God move.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God.” This is a command to stop striving, stop fighting, and trust Him to do what only He can do.

So how do we actually “be still” in the middle of chaos, pain, and addiction? Here are a few ways that have helped me:

• Anchor to God: Spend even just five minutes a day in His presence. Pray. Breathe. Rest.
• Anchor to recovery: Keep attending groups, not just for your loved one but for yourself.
• Anchor to community: Surround yourself with people who remind you of truth. For me, that has been my Finding Hope group.
• Anchor to self-care: Exercise, journal, worship, or whatever gives your soul room to breathe.

One practice that helped me was journaling. I began setting aside a few minutes each day to write out my worries, fears, and prayers. On paper, everything felt clearer. The weight that lived in my head and heart suddenly had a place to go.

At first, it felt uncomfortable — I wanted to hold on, to fix, to control. But over time, journaling became a rhythm of release. Each time I found myself grasping for control again, I would open my journal, pour out my thoughts, and surrender them to God. Writing gave me space to breathe and reminded me I didn’t have to carry it all.

It didn’t come naturally at first. But over time, I began to taste the peace that comes from letting God be God.

And just like the story of bamboo — years of hidden growth before it suddenly shoots up 90 feet — our faith often looks unseen for a long time. But under the surface, God is working.

Friend, I know the hustle-bustle world tells you to fight harder, do more, control everything. But God says: “Be still. Stop striving. Trust Me.”

He is your refuge. He is your strength. He will fight your battles. Step back, open your eyes, and let Him do what only He can do.

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With hope,

Darcie Stephens, Finding Hope Coordinator

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Be Still in the Chaos

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

We live in a culture that screams go, go, go. If we aren’t rushing from one thing to another, we’re glued to our phones, scrolling, numbing, or filling our minds with more noise.

Research says the average person spends over four hours a day on their phone. Moms with kids under 18 average 20 hours a week driving.

And with over 60,000 thoughts per day — 75% of which are negative — our minds often become prisons of worry, regret, or self-criticism.

It’s no wonder slowing down feels impossible.

I remember in the middle of my ex-husband’s addiction, I didn’t know how to be still. I was in constant motion: checking his phone, searching the house, trying to piece together anything that might help him change. I thought I was helping. But what I didn’t realize was that addiction wasn’t only controlling him — it was controlling me, too.

I was exhausted. My energy, my sleep, my health, and even my ability to care for myself was drained because I didn’t know how to be still.

That’s why Psalm 46:10 speaks so deeply. “Be still” isn’t a suggestion; it’s a command. God is telling us to stop fighting battles that aren’t ours to fight. He is telling us to stop enabling, to stop fixing, to stop carrying what only He can carry.

The Christian Standard Bible puts it this way: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God.” So I want to ask you:

• What are you fighting that isn’t yours to fight?
• Are you standing in the way of what God is trying to do?

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing. Rather, it means to trust that God is who He says He is: our refuge, our strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

This week, I encourage you to take just five minutes to sit quietly with God. Write down the thoughts racing through your head, pray over them, and ask Him to help you release the things that aren’t yours to carry.

Friend, you don’t have to fight this alone. God is your refuge. He is your strength. He is your ever-present help.

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With hope,

Darcie Stephens, Finding Hope Coordinator

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Breaking the Stereotype of Addiction: The Story of Colby Haggard

“I wasn’t homeless. I wasn’t in trouble with the law. I was respected in business. I was active in church. But I was also addicted — and I didn’t even know it.”

When you picture an addict, you probably don’t picture someone like Colby Haggard. The stereotypical addict is someone whose life is visibly unraveling — someone who looks disheveled, acts irrationally, and struggles to hold down a job or maintain relationships. Colby Haggard, however? He didn’t fit the stereotype — and that’s exactly the problem.

Everyone around Colby saw him as a successful businessman with a strong religious foundation. This image was strengthened when Colby began working alongside Hope is Alive Ministries in 2021. Though not officially on staff, it was during this time that he formed a deep connection with Ari Patchen, HIA’s Director of Community Development, and even launched a community event called Legacy of Hope.

What no one realized — including Colby himself — was that he needed the very hope and healing he was working to offer others. For more than 25 years, Colby had been quietly battling addiction.

“I thought I was doing what everyone else did to relax,” he said. “In reality, addiction had been affecting my life since I was 16. I just didn’t see it.”

Colby’s world took a dramatic turn in July 2024 when his wife gave him an ultimatum: get help or lose your family. This was when God stepped in, lended Colby His hand, and guided him towards the right path. This spiritual experience is what pushed Colby to do something drastic: reach out for help even though he hadn’t yet accepted his addiction.

“I reached out to Ari on a Saturday. I was ashamed and couldn’t look him in the eye. But he said, ‘We got you. We’re going to take care of you. Do you want to go somewhere and get help?’”

Colby didn’t realize what getting help looked like, let alone that in 48 hours he would be receiving it. Before leaving for treatment, Colby made the hardest phone calls he has ever had to make. For the first time, he told people the truth. He admitted that he was struggling and that he was going to go away to get help. That honesty marked the beginning of a new life.

“Even though I didn’t go through a HIA home, their team was with me every step of the way. The Hope Line, the placement team, the calls even during treatment when I wasn’t always pleasant — HIA stayed with me the entire time. They cared for me like family. They cared for my wife too.”

When Colby returned home after treatment, he was welcomed with open arms. His wife stood beside him and his professional career shifted for the better. God opened doors he never foresaw coming, like being offered a job with HIA.

“I never imagined my life would look like this — working in recovery, leading in a nonprofit, helping others find freedom. But it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be. God didn’t waste a single experience in my life. He used every lesson, failure, and success to prepare me for this.”

Addiction doesn’t always look like a mugshot. It can wear a suit. It can sit in a pew. If that’s you, there’s hope. Reach out to HIA today and see where placing your trust in God takes you.