I hope wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you right where you are.
Three adults from America each received a vision and a message from Recovery. Their names were Mary, Francis, and Luke. They were sixty, forty, and thirty years old.
Local authorities placed each person in a separate room for five days. They hoped the isolation would convince them to admit that the vision and message from Recovery were not real.
But the message would not go away.
What was the message? It was an urgent call to practice the 12 Steps of Recovery and to experience a true conversion of the heart. The message invited them to look honestly at their shortcomings, spend time in reflection, welcome God into their hearts, and share the hope of the 12 Steps with others who longed for healing.
Recovery showed them two paths. One path led to healing and transformation. The other led to more pain and suffering.
As we reflect on their story, I invite you to think about one simple question: How well do we receive Recovery?
Notice the question is not if we receive Recovery or even how we receive it. The question is how well.
Some people believe the outward parts of Recovery are not very important. They say that if we have love and peace in our hearts, that is all that matters.
Others believe there is only one right way to practice the 12 Steps and that anything different misses the point.
The truth is, there is wisdom in both views.
What we do on the outside matters. But our outward actions should always reflect what is happening in our hearts. Recovery calls each of us to a lifelong conversion of the heart, just as it called Mary, Francis, and Luke.
When we prepare our hearts to receive Recovery, we begin to see ourselves as we truly are. As we practice the 12 Steps, God gives us the strength and courage to keep growing, healing, and changing.
Today, let us make a simple commitment. May we not only receive Recovery often, but receive it well—with humble hearts, willing spirits, and a deep desire to be transformed.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.