Larry Winter

There is a beautiful sixteenth-century oil painting that continues to offer hope to those of us who carry regret and seek forgiveness from God—our Higher Power. Tears of Saint Peter, painted by El Greco, portrays Peter weeping after denying Jesus three times. His eyes are lifted toward heaven, tears streaming, and his hands folded in […]

Looking to our peers in Recovery, we pray—not only for them, but also for all who hope to believe that Recovery can live in us through the practice of the Twelve Steps. May we all be one, as we are called to be one. Recovery is alive in us. This grace has been given through

We are watching Chad do a kind thing. By looking at the two of them, it’s clear that Chad isn’t deeply upset about Tom’s dishonesty. For Chad, it wasn’t such a big deal—but he also knows this kind of struggle can happen in Recovery. Chad never doubted Tom’s commitment. Instead, he feels compassion, knowing how

Recovery and Luke sit together by the quiet lake, alone—except for us, close enough to watch and listen. The evening air is cool, the water still. Recovery has asked Luke to join him at the shore, taking the first step. Luke, though eager for this moment, feels a flutter of anxiety. “Are you truly ready

As we listen, we may wonder if those of us in Recovery recognize the parallels between what is happening today and what has taken place in the past. At earlier Recovery gatherings, we learned “the discipline of hearing the voice of God—our Higher Power.” Those same words echo today, reminding us that God desires a

One of the greatest prescriptions for healing from mental health struggles or substance misuse is connection. Relationships with family, friends, and communities are cornerstones of Recovery. These connections look different for each of us, but all carry the power to restore and sustain us. Each year, in the town of Bessières, France, people gather to

Healing stirs powerful emotions and urges that can cloud our sense of reality. But hidden in those moments are sacred clues to our wholeness. We may grieve our missteps, yet they are part of the journey—like failed experiments that teach more than success. To truly heal, we must quiet the noise. The soul speaks only

From an early age, we were taught to say “thank you.” More than simple manners, these words become a reflection of kindness—toward one another and toward God, our Higher Power. Faith invites us to give thanks for the blessings we have received. Gratitude is not only an act of the soul, but also a gift

Sometimes our image of Recovery—it’s dying, healing, and rising into new life—is like a plane in the sky ascending to 30,000 feet. The control tower sends occasional directions… but from a distance. Recovery begins with dying to an old way of living and then ascending to a new way of functioning. Recovery teaches us that

Interpersonal relationships are a gift, yet they can be challenging when unresolved trauma, mental health struggles, or unhealthy behaviors remain. Healthy relationships grow through mindful communication: ask for help, share opinions with presence, say “no” calmly, avoid people-pleasing, and prioritize healing. Our desire for connection is woven into our minds, hearts, and souls. We are