Movie fans of Sylvester Stallone as a small time boxer from Philadelphia whom we came to know as Rocky, may recall that part of his training involved running, and in one scene from this 1976 iconic film we see him climb the 72 stone steps leading up to the East entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia. That scene put the museum on the map for global fame! 

Movie producers gave us a total of 10 Rocky films which included a spin off to him becoming a trainer for a new boxer in the arena, Adonis Johnson. Each movie drew crowds. Admittedly, I know I have not seen all 10 of them even though I enjoyed the first three for sure. 

In the 12 steps we use for Celebrate Recovery, they do not physically compare to someone running up a building’s 72 steps, but effort and time spent “working” and “climbing” each step can be exhausting. Physical training drains us of energy…emotional healing often brings deep wounds from the secret place in our soul to the surface where pain is confronted for the first time. This process can only be achieved when we embrace admission that each one of us has done things that are wrong. Thus, Step 12 says: “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs”. I’d be a liar if I told anyone that this step is easy. Afterall, our human nature tells us to keep matters private, that we can get away with wrong behavior–especially if no one is looking–or we manipulate the facts of how a situation played out for us. Even those of us who are Christ followers often forget that “nothing” is hidden from God and in addition, no matter how we might lie to ourselves, deep down truth prevails. 

Step 5 also involves partnering with someone you trust because during the process of implementing this step in recovery conversations will begin to take place as we open ourselves to reveal our wrongdoings, not to be judged, but for healing to begin. James 5: 16 is a perfect guideline for the person who is sincerely seeking to be healed emotionally, physically and spiritually. It says: “Therefore, confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed.”  In the verses preceding this one, a variety of questions are posed. Is someone among you in trouble? Is someone among you ill?

These simple questions along with their instructions form a beautiful part of Christian community which is exactly what Celebrate Recovery offers. In fact, the national leaders coined a very simple phrase years ago to describe the unity and power available to all who attend–”We are forever family”. Some who attend our meetings are so estranged from family for valid reasons, that attendees become their “family”. Folks who don’t live near immediate family have men and women who become “brothers and sisters”, creating relationships and friendships that fill gaps for them. You and I are not meant to live life alone, the fellowship and security provided by being part of CR’s “forever family” is priceless.

Very few people will bravely step into a boxing ring, yet it also takes great courage to walk through the doors for the first time to attend a recovery meeting. We often tell people “the longest walk is from your car to the doors”. Mustering courage and following through is an achievement that begins to cancel Satan’s hold on all the messes in your life whether of your own doing or unfortunate actions against you. I love what Psalm 18: 30 says: “As for God, His way is blameless. The word of the Lord is tested (it is perfect, it is faultless); He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.” (Amplified Version)

Rocky Balboa had a trainer. He had his boxing gloves to punch and shield all the hits thrown his way. We have God, the ultimate teacher and protector for all who place their trust in Him. 

If you’re tired of “being sick and tired of being sick and tired” because of the messes in your life, put on your shoes Tuesday evening, muster your courage and determine that you will walk from your car to the doors that lead to a new path of living life in the abundance God desires for you. We meet at Fowlerville UB Church, 7 pm. All adults 18 years and older are welcome!