A Peek at the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

The Prayer of St. Francis meaning reaches far beyond poetic language or gentle sentiment. At its core, this prayer is an invitation to surrender—to release self-focus, loosen our grip on control, and allow God to work through us in ways that transform both our hearts and the world around us. Often prayed for comfort, the…

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Christians and AA: Faith, History, and the 12 Steps

A group of people sit in a circle, engaged in a discussion. Christians and AA

Should Christians Go to AA Meetings? It’s one of the most common questions Christians ask when addiction enters their life or the life of someone they love: Is Alcoholics Anonymous compatible with Christianity? Some Christians are warned to stay away from AA because of its references to a “higher power.” Others are told it can…

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Stepping Into Power: A Christian Walk Through the 12 Steps

A person wearing sneakers and sweatpants ascends a wooden staircase.

What Is Stepping Into Power? Stepping Into Power is a Christian recovery roadmap designed to help individuals, Sponsors, Recovery Partners (RPs), families, and church leaders better understand and work through the 12 Steps of AA through a Christian, biblical lens, as they are defined in The Dunamis Effect. Importantly, this is not a rehab program…

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Dunamis: What Does It Really Mean?

Jesus is the light of the world the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it Jesus christ is the way, the truth, and the life

Pronounced “doo’-nam-is,” the Greek word Dunamis means miraculous power, might, or strength. It’s used more than 100 times in the New Testament, often describing the divine power of God working through Jesus Christ and His followers (see Acts 1:8). However, Dunamis carries a deeper meaning than just “power.” It represents potential power—energy waiting to be…

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Post-Traumatic Growth in Recovery: Seeking New Possibilities

When trauma leaves its mark, it often feels impossible to move past the pain. In my years as a physician—especially the last ten spent in a mental health facility—I’ve heard countless stories of suffering and injustice. A common thread runs through them: the struggle to move forward when life feels deeply unfair. I know this…

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Post-Traumatic Growth: Finding Your Tribe in Recovery

Post-Traumatic Growth in Recovery Finding Your Tribe

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in at church—or even that you’re not really wanted there—you’re not alone. In my work in addiction, I hear this all the time. People tell me they grew up with some kind of religion, but when life got messy, they felt like the church didn’t want them…

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God Positioning System (GPS)

Many years ago, I recognized that I was unable to quit drinking on my own. I had heard that Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) worked for many people, so out of desperation, I went to a meeting. At that meeting, a man received his 30-year sobriety coin. I thought to myself, “Why are you still coming to…

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Transform the Mind to Transform the Life

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the national conference for the Christian Medical Dental Association (CMDA) on how to support people going through 12-step recovery for addictions of all kinds. It was great to be at a conference where 1200 professionals could proudly bow their heads and give thanks to their savior, Christ…

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Faith verses hope in addiction

“Wake up! Wake UP!” yells 5-year-old Tyrell, as he pulls at the sheets of his brother. “Its Christmas! Let’s go see!!” “It’s still dark. Go back to sleep!” Moans 10-year-old Jordan, suppressing some excitement in favor of a few more minutes in the warm bed. “Let’s go see if he came!” insists Tyrell, and his…

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