*This episode contains mature content and may not be suitable for all listeners.*

This week, we’re joined by Sherry Hoppen—author, speaker, recovery coach, and founder of She Surrenders. Sherry recounts her family history of alcohol abuse, and how she herself descended into a secret addiction to alcohol, all the while trying to paint the perfect picture of her life as a wife, a mom, and a Christian. 

Later, we’ll hear from author and advocate Tanya Glessner, who also struggled with addiction's grip, one fueled by the trauma and violence she experienced in her childhood. Spiraling into a life filled with drugs and crime, Tanya eventually went to prison, where unexpectedly, she had a personal and spiritual awakening.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Ryan Sheckler

Upcoming interview: Sabrina Greenlee

Jesus Calling commemorative edition

Sherry Hoppen

She Surrenders

addiction to alcohol

addiction grows in the dark

Ride 4 Life

“Revelation” by Third Day

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

www.shesurrenders.com

www.selahhouserecovery.org

Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day At A Time

Tanya Glessner

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries

The Light You Bring

Interview Quotes:

“From the outside, yeah, it all looks pretty good. I wore the mask of everything: Christian, mom in the community, my husband was an elder. There was no place for me to stand up and say, ‘I'm an alcoholic and I need help.’” - Sherry Hoppen  

“I knew that [alcohol] had the power to take away everything I love, every single thing. So I raised one hand in the air to God and with the other unscrewed the bottle over the sink. And I said, ‘God, take it. I surrender my life and I give it to you. I'm yours. I'll do whatever you want.’ And I poured it down the sink.” - Sherry Hoppen 

“The grace that God showed me each and every day, even while I was drinking, was the only thing that rescued me from complete self-destruction and saved my life.” - Sherry Hoppen 

“I'll always cherish the memories of how God started to mend my brokenness.” - Tanya Glessner 

“I am living proof that no one is too far gone to be saved. God never wastes a hurt. He is using my past to write others' futures.” - Tanya Glessner 

“Prayer is like picking up the phone and calling the one person you know you can count on in any situation, no matter what time it is.” - Tanya Glessner 

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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw 

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C 

Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj 

Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u 

What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj