You know, whilst watching this 12 step addiction videos, I had to take a break for an hour, have a drink of juice, take deep breaths because I had cried all the tears that were in my body. I am LDS, and the Church has done a great job of highlighting worldly addictions. I felt the Spirit so strong and I know that God cares about us. He wants us all to do well in life. He is always prepared to help us when we fall..I applaud the men and women in these videos for their courage and strength...
John, far and away, your story hit me hardest (well, aside from Step 6). So much about your story mirrors mine. When people ask me about the series and want to talk about my behavior, I tell them to watch Step 6, then watch Step 9. They did such a great job highlighting the chaos we tried to manage with families, callings, and the disease. When I look back on that time it's literally like I'm recalling a book I read or a movie I saw, because it's so foreign to the man I am today. I didn't have nearly the wreckage to clean up with my relationships, but if it wasn't for that last ditch effort by my wife and bishop to get me help, all would have been lost. So grateful for your story, your experiences, your recovery, and your courage to share. Not an easy decision. I know.
after watching all 12 of these videos, I'm in awe of 1) how easily and small it starts yet becomes larger than life, and 2) how much humility it takes to get to the point in recovery where you're in a position to come out on the other side able to share your story to save the lives of others. Thank you John (and your family) for showing this hope to others.
This one hit me the hardest. Making restitution is not easy but I can't even imagine what you had to go through. There are so many great people in this story who did amazing HARD things. It proves that God cares about every single one of us! Thanks for sharing your story.
What a remarkable story of recovery from the brink of despair. Everyone has a story to tell. This is proof of that. I think it's even more powerful that all 12 members in all 12 videos were members prior to their addiction. It goes to show that the adversary is at work, and attacks all, not just some.
Thank you, John - for your courage, honesty and strength to show others what really matters and how to attain that.....the love and association of your family and children. Your story will help so many.
I led a double life Then, found out, how could I explain? I lost my job and my wife I "used" more to numb the pain I did anything to get high A prostitute worked with me I kissed my future goodbye Inside I was empty Out of control, it was a relief When I was placed in jail I sought those whom I'd caused grief To make amends where I'd failed Oh, the damage I had done! Trust was just not there For years I was shunned I put this is in our Father's care A new life was given to me And my prayers were answered one day When for the first time I could see My grandchildren come over to play
John, you've helped me a lot. I have been struggling with my own trials and I could've been somewhere else but I stopped just in time before things got worse. I love you and your story
It actually can be hard to feel the spirit while watching this. It is about a guy who did drugs, he got a prostitute involved, and because of his drug addiction, his life got ruined. With all of that, there is no peace.
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing your feedback. This video series features real stories from real people and can be intense, but we hope people struggling with addictions will see these videos and be inspired to change and turn their lives over to the Savior. For you or others interested, learn more about the Church's Addiction Recovery Program at addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org
Megan ... there was no peace for me in addiction and in that you are correct. However, in my deepest darkness, the Savior was always there to beckon me to repent and live again. As I entered professional chemical dependency treatment and stopped, my soul began to feel again. Though it took some time, Jesus Christ cleansed my soul, lead me back and gave me peace, His peace. My loss was BIG and consequences continue to this day over 10 years clean. But God NEVER left me alone ... He is merciful!
I'm active LDS and I "smoke weed everyday" but it is legitimate use for medical reasons. Doc's Scrip and all that. Yea, my bishop and stake pres are fine with it to a point. My stake pres freaks out a little bit in a hilarious way, warning me be SURE it is the right medicine. (which i have investigated extensively, and yes, it is correct...) My Bishop just says, "have a legitimate prescription," or something very close to that. I don't mean to undermine the beautiful message here about recovering from addiction, which i love, but this man appears to have been abusing the drug, as opposed to using it with a legitimate medical reason. Abuse is defined thusly on dictionary.com: "to use wrongly or improperly; misuse."
As possible, we are instructed to make good on that which was lost and reestablish congeniality where our relationships are broken. Is this not Christ like? For even Jesus Christ has brought forth restitution of His gospel and invites reconciliation among the Saints. He, that is greatest promises restoration of all things and invites us to come unto Him.
You know, whilst watching this 12 step addiction videos, I had to take a break for an hour, have a drink of juice, take deep breaths because I had cried all the tears that were in my body. I am LDS, and the Church has done a great job of highlighting worldly addictions. I felt the Spirit so strong and I know that God cares about us. He wants us all to do well in life. He is always prepared to help us when we fall..I applaud the men and women in these videos for their courage and strength...
I met John in my mission and I have to say he's a great man. He gave good advice to our friends who we were teaching. Great man and great message.
I celebrated 15 years clean this past Sunday … Recovery is real.
Congrats on reaching 15 years!
John, far and away, your story hit me hardest (well, aside from Step 6). So much about your story mirrors mine. When people ask me about the series and want to talk about my behavior, I tell them to watch Step 6, then watch Step 9. They did such a great job highlighting the chaos we tried to manage with families, callings, and the disease. When I look back on that time it's literally like I'm recalling a book I read or a movie I saw, because it's so foreign to the man I am today. I didn't have nearly the wreckage to clean up with my relationships, but if it wasn't for that last ditch effort by my wife and bishop to get me help, all would have been lost. So grateful for your story, your experiences, your recovery, and your courage to share. Not an easy decision. I know.
after watching all 12 of these videos, I'm in awe of 1) how easily and small it starts yet becomes larger than life, and 2) how much humility it takes to get to the point in recovery where you're in a position to come out on the other side able to share your story to save the lives of others. Thank you John (and your family) for showing this hope to others.
I'm so proud of you and glad and honored to have you as a friend.
This one hit me the hardest. Making restitution is not easy but I can't even imagine what you had to go through. There are so many great people in this story who did amazing HARD things. It proves that God cares about every single one of us! Thanks for sharing your story.
You are one awesome person!
What a remarkable story of recovery from the brink of despair. Everyone has a story to tell. This is proof of that. I think it's even more powerful that all 12 members in all 12 videos were members prior to their addiction. It goes to show that the adversary is at work, and attacks all, not just some.
Thank you, John - for your courage, honesty and strength to show others what really matters and how to attain that.....the love and association of your family and children. Your story will help so many.
I led a double life
Then, found out, how could I explain?
I lost my job and my wife
I "used" more to numb the pain
I did anything to get high
A prostitute worked with me
I kissed my future goodbye
Inside I was empty
Out of control, it was a relief
When I was placed in jail
I sought those whom I'd caused grief
To make amends where I'd failed
Oh, the damage I had done!
Trust was just not there
For years I was shunned
I put this is in our Father's care
A new life was given to me
And my prayers were answered one day
When for the first time I could see
My grandchildren come over to play
John, you've helped me a lot. I have been struggling with my own trials and I could've been somewhere else but I stopped just in time before things got worse. I love you and your story
This was the hardest but most rewarding part of my recovery. Thank you for sharing John
Thank you, that is kind. With a loving Heavenly Father and His Son’s enabling power to literally transform me, I’m a new creature in Christ!
I'm an addict- and a Mormon-thank you!
Thank you, for reaching out.
how is your recovery going? after decades of hell, I am finally almost 6 months sober
this one personally was the best one I can't describe what hit me but it did the fact that his daughter forgave him was the best
These videos are remarkably well done. I like this one in particular.
The truth hurts. But we have to face what we have done. We have to own up to it, do our best to make restitution, and give the rest to God.
i love You God and Jesus! Amen
Recovery is REAL!
Such a beautiful and touching video!
It actually can be hard to feel the spirit while watching this. It is about a guy who did drugs, he got a prostitute involved, and because of his drug addiction, his life got ruined. With all of that, there is no peace.
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing your feedback. This video series features real stories from real people and can be intense, but we hope people struggling with addictions will see these videos and be inspired to change and turn their lives over to the Savior. For you or others interested, learn more about the Church's Addiction Recovery Program at addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org
Megan ... there was no peace for me in addiction and in that you are correct. However, in my deepest darkness, the Savior was always there to beckon me to repent and live again. As I entered professional chemical dependency treatment and stopped, my soul began to feel again. Though it took some time, Jesus Christ cleansed my soul, lead me back and gave me peace, His peace. My loss was BIG and consequences continue to this day over 10 years clean. But God NEVER left me alone ... He is merciful!
astounding and courageous. thank you.
Is there a video like this on alcohol addiction?
winter blake HTTP//mormon Channel.org/12steps
http//additionrecovery.lds.org
I celebrate over 13 years clean!
I hate being an addict . the battle never ends
i am nearly 6 months sober. how are you doing these days? let's chat
Hugs . And hope all is well. God bless you all beautiful souls out there. 💕
Sometimes there is no forgiveness
I'm active LDS and I "smoke weed everyday" but it is legitimate use for medical reasons. Doc's Scrip and all that. Yea, my bishop and stake pres are fine with it to a point. My stake pres freaks out a little bit in a hilarious way, warning me be SURE it is the right medicine. (which i have investigated extensively, and yes, it is correct...) My Bishop just says, "have a legitimate prescription," or something very close to that. I don't mean to undermine the beautiful message here about recovering from addiction, which i love, but this man appears to have been abusing the drug, as opposed to using it with a legitimate medical reason. Abuse is defined thusly on dictionary.com: "to use wrongly or improperly; misuse."
Wow! :) Awesome!
I play the prostitute in this video...haha. funny to see people's reaction when they hear I played a prostitute in a church video
it's an interesting role to play, for sure
As possible, we are instructed to make good on that which was lost and reestablish congeniality where our relationships are broken. Is this not Christ like? For even Jesus Christ has brought forth restitution of His gospel and invites reconciliation among the Saints. He, that is greatest promises restoration of all things and invites us to come unto Him.