Healing the wounds I didn’t see

For years, I thought I was only hurting myself. But the truth is, addiction—or any area of life that’s out of control—doesn’t keep its damage contained. It leaks into everything. My family didn’t just witness my self-destruction. They lived in it. They carried the confusion, the anger, the heartbreak, and the silent fears that came with loving someone chained in addiction.

When I finally got sober, I realized I wasn’t just starting over for me—I was stepping into the lifelong work of healing what I had broken, even if I hadn’t meant to break it. This wasn’t just about guilt. It was about taking ownership. The kind of responsibility that says: “I can’t undo the past, but by the grace of God, I can walk in a way that offers amends and facilitates healing and restoration now.”

My sobriety is more than a date on a calendar. It’s a living testimony to the people I hurt that change is possible. It’s a message to the next family watching their loved one self-destruct: There is still hope. And His name is Jesus.

This path of life God is showing us isn’t about living in self-condemning regret for every bad thing I did. It’s about humbly doing what I can, as often as I can, to make it right—and letting my life become a witness that healing is possible for everyone touched and affected by addiction.

Walk well.
POLRis4Life

Today’s Focus:
You may not be able to heal every wound—but your recovery can become a source of healing for those you hurt.

Journal Thought:
Who has carried pain because of your past behavior? What would it look like to become part of their healing journey, even if it starts with prayer and humility?

Scripture Reflection:
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
(Romans 12:18 NLT)

Walk Well

POLRis4Life