04/05/2025
In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, it’s essential to recognize the “us” around us—the everyday faces who share our struggles and triumphs. Whether in our workplaces, churches, or quiet moments of reflection, connecting with one another builds a powerful community that reminds us we are never alone in our journey.
Let’s slow down and focus on one step at a time—each step guided by God. As Hebrews 10:24 reminds us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Today, let that be your battle cry: “Step out in faith and ignite hope in every heart.”
The other day I was joking with someone, someone who isn’t an addict, about how to spot someone who is. Sure, it’s usually pretty easy to recognize someone actively using. But the longer I’ve been in recovery, the more I’ve realized it’s also becoming easier to recognize those who are in recovery.
I told them we are everywhere. And yes, there are a few telltale signs of someone walking this path.
We’re the ones moving a million miles an hour, even when we’re not entirely sure where we’re going or what we’re doing, but we’re doing it anyway.
We’re in the churches, the ones with tears in our eyes. Some days it’s because we’re barely hanging on. Other days it’s because we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for how far we’ve come. We’re also the ones gathering in basements and fellowship halls long after the sanctuary has gone quiet.
We’re in your college classrooms, usually a little older than everyone else. We’re struggling, sure, but we’re grateful. We’ve been given a second chance to do something better with our lives, and we don’t take that lightly.
We’re the ones who somehow get calmer when the chaos hits, but get rattled by the day-to-day routine.
We’re the ones talking to the people no one else will, the ones on the fringes, the ones who seem out of place. We’ve been there. We were them. And we’ve learned how to see past the walls people put up because we remember building our own.
We’re the ones skipping away from courthouses, not because we won, but because we walked out the front doors this time.
You might see us praying in public, not because we’re overly spiritual, but because sometimes we need a quick word with God just to keep ourselves in check.
We’ve got scars. We’ve got tattoos. And trust me, we’ve got some stories.
You’ll find us in groups at restaurants late at night, laughing over tacos, the sacred “meeting after the meeting.”
We’re quick to admit when we’re wrong. Not to please others, but because we’ve learned how dangerous it is to leave our mess unchecked.
We serve your food. We fix your cars. We wear scrubs, uniforms, coveralls, or sometimes all three. And we are some of the hardest workers you’ll meet.
We carry compassion in our eyes and lead with empathy in our hearts.
We’re in recovery. And I am forever thankful to be one of “US.”
