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Jrry
Member
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Posted: Mon Mar 19th, 2007 09:02 pm |
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Mike (and others),
I am glad to be here after several months of occasional "lurking". My story was over 30 years in the making --- but I will brief...
I was "fired" from my para-church ministry position on Sept 13, 1994. I told my Pastor and a Deacon and late that afternoon, I told my dear wife. She chose to stay with me, but I need to make some major changes. A local Christian therapist diagnosed my as a sex addict and strongly suggested that I get some intensive counseling at a workshop directed by Dr. Mark Laaser.
I learned in much in my recovery...but two major things stood out. 1) Isolation was primary in my acting out...even with strange women. I did not call my friends on the phone and go out looking for sin. 2) Medication of pain I did not know I had.
The addiction started when I was 8 years old and found porn in the garage of a kid in the neighborhood. Over time I tried to change my life to abstain from sinful behavior. Marriage, Bible College, different churches, etc did not work. Having a rock bottom experience was the only thing that got my attention.
After a few years in 12step programs which I thoroughly enjoyed, we started Faithful and True support groups. We have had over 300 men walk through our doors. Many marriages have survived and men have been reunited with family, friends and jobs. Most of all, their relationship with our Heavenly Father has been restored.
I am thankful for support groups as they help me stay sober.
God bless,
____________________
Jerry, Facilitator for Faithful & True
Celebrating 10 years of Support Groups in Jacksonville
http://www.southpointbaptist.org/psalm51.htm
(904) 443-0246 [recorded message]
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gaylon
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 237 |
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Posted: Mon Mar 19th, 2007 10:37 pm |
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Hmmm, I'm from Jax, too! I'll have to check you guys out. Might solve a problem for me that I've discussed elsewhere on the forum...
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Steve
Super Moderator
| Joined: | Tue May 3rd, 2005 |
| Location: | Colorado USA |
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Posted: Mon Mar 19th, 2007 10:58 pm |
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Jrry wrote: I learned in much in my recovery...but two major things stood out. 1) Isolation was primary in my acting out...even with strange women. I did not call my friends on the phone and go out looking for sin. 2) Medication of pain I did not know I had.
Jerry, thank you for posting your entire message. You really "hit it on the head" for me with what I quoted you above. I echo those very words! It took a lot of hard work to really look at some of the root issues of my addiction, which were unquestionably related to medication of pain I didn't even know I had. I am so grateful for all the wonderful group experiences I have had as well and isolation is indeed the enemy of my God-given freedom.
By the way, you and I have corresponded via e-mail too. 
All the best,
Steve
____________________
"Isolation is bad for any man, but for the sexual addict it is fatal." -Russell Willingham
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Jrry
Member
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Posted: Mon Mar 19th, 2007 11:13 pm |
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Why should we presume upon God that he will heal a pain or trauma that we will not recognize or validate? JMS
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quote from Steve... | ...It took a lot of hard work to really look at some of the root issues of my addiction, which were unquestionably related to medication of pain I didn't even know I had... |
God bless,
____________________
Jerry, Facilitator for Faithful & True
Celebrating 10 years of Support Groups in Jacksonville
http://www.southpointbaptist.org/psalm51.htm
(904) 443-0246 [recorded message]
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