Hello My Name Is…

My name is Cathy and I am an alcoholic in recovery. My sobriety date is October 6, 1996.

I sometimes hesitate to share my recovery story because I don’t think too many people are anxious to follow in my footsteps. I know I didn’t want to walk in these footsteps when God first presented the challenge to me.

God has plans for all of us that are bigger and crazier and more wonderful than we can even imagine.

You see, when I was about 5 years sober, I started to get the crazy idea that I should go to seminary and become a minister. I eventually gave in, got a Master’s Degree when I was 58 years old, and was ordained in the United Methodist Church.

The message I hope others hear from my story is that God has plans for all of us that are bigger and crazier and more wonderful than we can even imagine. Recovery makes so many things possible – things that could never happen when we are drinking.

I have grand-kids now who have never seen me drink; I was able to be present for my mother when she got sick and eventually died; friends and family can rely on me. These are all gifts of recovery – so many gifts for which I am grateful.

-Cathy