Podcast: Play in new window
Addiction—whether it be alcohol addiction or addiction to drugs, porn, food, the internet—is something that countless Christians struggle with, yet it isn’t something that gets talked about in church. It’s ugly, it’s messy, and we just aren’t comfortable with it. That’s why I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Dana Bowman, author of Bottled and more recently, How to Be Perfect Like Me, about her struggles with an addiction to alcohol and the way that Jesus ultimately helped her, and continues to help her, have victory over it. Dana shares her story of recovery with authenticity, humor, and joy, giving a fresh perspective on the seemingly taboo subject of faithful Christians struggling with addictions.
Whether you are struggling with addiction yourself or simply want to better understand those who do, please join Dana and I as we have a much-needed discussion about overcoming addiction and finding victory in Christ.
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
- What a Christian’s struggle with and recovery from alcohol can look like (and it’s not what we might imagine)
- Practical advice on recovering from addiction and keeping it at bay
- Why repenting and seeking Jesus is essential to recovery
- Talking about addiction with your kids
- A perspective on whether it is permissible—or wise—for Christians to drink alcohol
Quotes:
- “My turning point wasn’t me, it was God…God pretty much said, ‘This isn’t going to work. You either need to surrender this, and to me, or you’re going to die.’” –Dana Bowman
- “When you finally give up something that has been consuming your life, it’s really hard to figure out what you like. You begin to ask, Who am I?” –Dana Bowman
- “Rock bottom isn’t necessarily some huge, dramatic event. It can just be your soul being sick and tired. It’s a time when you listen to your soul and to God.” –Dana Bowman
- “I have peace in [the] pain…I am trucking with Jesus, I have got him by my side through it, and he has been tempted in every way. That’s how I do this.” –Dana Bowman
- “Lord, help me to be of service of someone else and help me get over the burden of self.” –Dana Bowman, a prayer for recovering addicts
Resources From Today’s Show
- Read Dana’s newest book How to Be Perfect Like Me, a humorous memoir about her journey of recovery from alcohol addiction. Check out her book Bottled as well!
==> General Links
Have you taken the staying awake assessment? Find it here.
Did you catch last week’s episode, She’s Still Free? Listen here.
Grab my latest book, She’s Still There!
Take a look at Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Tony Evans
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!
- Is there anything in your life—alcohol, food, the internet, movies—that, if you are honest, you find yourself needing and turning to more that you should? Are there certain “triggers,” like stress or loneliness, that make you desperately want that thing?
- Often it is feelings of discouragement and emptiness that lead people to addiction. Are you doing simple things that feed your soul and make your heart sing (coloring, reading books, getting outside, knitting) on a regular basis? Above all, are you seeking comfort and joy in Christ—letting him fill the holes your heart—daily?
- In the podcast Dana explains, “I drank alone. It wasn’t something that looked out of control on the outside at all…you can still be a Christian and drink and be an alcoholic.” Do you have an inaccurate, harmful image of what addiction looks like, particularly in Christ-followers? Are you willing to support and listen to those struggling without judging them?
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
This was another outstanding podcast so relevant for today, maybe one of your best. Dana was not just hilarious, but honest, balanced, and very relatable. I was particularly glad you asked her opinion regarding Christians drinking and being mindful of tempting others who struggle. These topics are rarely discussed.
Totally understand. I was sober for 14 years (Dana you WILL lose the desire and be able to be around others who drink) but went through a divorce and depression and started drinking again 2 years ago. My life is totally messed up and I am needing to quit drinking again now. Listening to your story truly helped. (And my opinion of Christians drinking is, if you can’t have one drink and stop, don’t drink. And I have found in the first 4, 5, 6 years being around people who drink is a stumbling block, so you just can’t go where that’s happening.) I never thought I would drink again, but life happens. And the older you get the more fearful you get if you don’t stick close to the Lord. That’s what happened to me, the drinking separated me from God … I am 62 years old, and it’s time for me to get sober . Thank you Dana and Chrystal for this teaching . ( and thank you Lord for my daughter who sent this podcast to me )
Thank you for listening!!!! Praying for you today!
[…] Did you catch the last bonus episode with Dana Bowman? Listen here. […]