Friend,
I’m writing this from the shadows of the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado. On Wednesday, we packed up our kids and started on a road trip, and we’ll be touring the state my wife and I first called “home” when we got married.
(Side note: We even took a brief pit stop in Denver and visited our first ever apartment as a married couple. Talk about nostalgia!)
I’m hopping on to say a quick thank you. Your responses — the comments, the texts, the direct messages, and the emails — to my admission that I am a recovering Cristian alcoholic have been nothing short of amazing. They are encouraging and inspiring, and have left me in tears.
What’s also been incredible is to hear how many of you out there have a similar struggle, or know someone that does. I got one email about a Christian man who had been sober for over 400 days, only to relapse twice in 18 months. It’s an ongoing battler. That’s why I’m writing about this, that’s why I’m opening up. Because there are people like me — like us — that need a home and encouragement.
I’m hoping to offer that.
That’s not to say there aren’t other great resources and people out there. There are. I continue to be blown away by Caroline Beidler’s support and her community, “Circle of Chairs.” I just want to be one of the places you can turn to for help, support, and growth.
My family and I will be road tripping through Tuesday, so I won’t be giving you daily nuggets today, Monday, or Tuesday. Hopefully that’s OK with you. I’m taking this time to recharge, be present, but also dream and plan about what’s to come now that I’ve entered the “recovery space.” Please be praying.
I will, eventually, respond in some way to all your comments, be that with a like or a sentence, or a share. I have read every single one of them. They mean the world to me.
I love you all, and I cherish your support. We’re just getting started.
Here’s to radical vulnerability,
— Jon
(Pic 1: Me and the family at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.)
(Pic 2: My wife and I in front of our first ever apartment as a married couple. It’s the one on the third floor with the bike hanging off of it.)
Happy to hear that you and your family are taking time to rebuild, relax and restore. God Speed on your recovery, know that I and I am sure that others will be including you in our prayers. Have a safe and fun trip.
Grateful to see you enjoying life in the midst of struggle, God bless you and your beautiful family.