Episode Description
“My name is Craig, and I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with alcoholism and approval seeking.”
In this deeply honest and Christ-centered testimony, Craig shares the story of how God rescued him from a life shaped by silence, fear, addiction, shame, and self-reliance—and rebuilt it through grace, truth, community, and surrender to Jesus Christ.
This is not a story about willpower, morality, or self-improvement. It is a story about denial giving way to humility, sobriety giving way to heart transformation, and brokenness giving way to purpose. From childhood emotional isolation to addiction disguised as control, from the lowest point of leaving his young son alone while intoxicated to the life-altering grace of recovery in Christ, Craig testifies to the faithfulness of a God who heals what sin and trauma destroy.
This episode is for anyone who feels too broken, too ashamed, or too far gone—and for anyone who needs to be reminded that Jesus still rescues sinners.In This Episode, Craig Shares:
Growing up in emotional silence and learning to hide instead of express
How leadership and control became false sources of safety
The early introduction to drugs and alcohol as counterfeit freedom
Family mental illness, critical words, bullying, and deep-rooted shame
Living a double life—reading Scripture while trapped in addiction
Alcoholism disguised as “functioning” and spiritual self-deception
The breaking point that exposed complete powerlessness
Crying out to God with raw honesty—and being met with mercy
Why court-ordered recovery never worked, but humility did
The difference between sobriety and surrender
Discovering Celebrate Recovery as a Christ-centered place of truth and healing
White-knuckling versus transformation
Therapy, diagnosis, and God healing the wounds beneath the addiction
The power of confession, Step 5, and freedom from shame
Marriage restoration, redeemed fatherhood, and generational healing
Learning to pause instead of react—and respond in grace
Being freed from approval-seeking, perfectionism, and validation addiction
Discovering identity in Christ instead of performance
Replacing isolation with community and vulnerability
Moving from fear-based faith to secure belonging in Christ
Forgiving himself and trusting the sufficiency of the cross
God turning weaknesses into ministry
Leading Celebrate Recovery and watching God transform lives
Living with purpose, peace, and calling—not because of achievement, but because of grace
Key Scriptures Referenced (Selected):
Proverbs 28:26
John 8:34, 44
Proverbs 14:12
Romans 7:24
James 4:6
Isaiah 30:21
James 5:16
Romans 12:2
Psalm 147:3
Joel 2:25
Ephesians 2:10
John 10:27–29
Romans 8:1
Psalm 119:105
Philippians 1:6
2 Corinthians 5:17
A Message for the Newcomer
If you’re walking into recovery afraid, ashamed, or uncertain—keep coming back. Healing takes time. Trust takes time. Transformation takes time. But Jesus is faithful. If God can redeem a life as tangled and broken as this one, He can redeem yours too.
Your story isn’t finished yet.About Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, biblical recovery ministry for anyone struggling with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is a place of honesty, humility, grace, and transformation through Jesus Christ.Connect & Join Us
Celebrate Recovery at Peters Creek Baptist Church
📍 6300 Library Road, South Park, PA🕖 Fridays at 7:00 PM — Large Group Worship🕗 8:00–9:00 PM — Gender-specific small groups
📧 Email: info@pcbc.church
🌐 Website: pcbc.church
🔍 Find a Celebrate Recovery near you: crlocator.com
Closing
This story is not about glorifying sin.
It is about glorifying a Savior who steps into darkness, tells the truth, breaks chains, and makes all things new.
“My name is Craig.
I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with alcoholism and approval seeking.
And this is the story of how Christ rescued me.”
