Thanksgiving Reflections at CORE
As Thanksgiving approaches, CORE wishes everyone a harvest of blessings, good health, and happiness! This holiday is a special time to gather with loved ones and reflect gratefully on the peace, abundance, and blessings in our lives. And, of course, we get to share delicious food and watch football, too!
Thanksgiving Day is a favorite holiday at CORE because gratitude is at the heart of recovery. With this in mind, we recently attended a CORE event in search of thankful people – and we were not disappointed! Tape recorder in hand, we stopped as many current and former clients as we could catch to ask what they’re most thankful for. Their answers, shared below, are a gift to us all this season.
“I am thankful for my relationship with God and all the amazing people he put into my life. And opportunities, too. I’m manager at my job now.”
– Abby B
“For Jesus Christ, my salvation, and recovery.”
– Daniel B
“I’m very grateful for my new life, financial stability, and freedom. I never thought I could live on my own, because for the longest time I didn’t trust my own thinking. But having my relationship with God, I was able to take that leap of faith and have confidence.”
– Kristi K
“I’m thankful for my relationship with God that happened through working the 12 Steps. And having my family back together – my wife and children. I’m also thankful for CORE, the men and women here who led me out of the hole of addiction.”
– Dallas C
“We have leaders in this program who provide leadership, guidance, and direction on a daily basis. And the girls here – they knew where I came from, held me accountable, and helped me through my character defects. I’m also thankful to be able to give back. This program saved my life three years ago.”
– Jeana K
“Understanding what it means to be in God’s grace and actually knowing God – I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
– Robert S
“God loves me, looks out for me, and directs me. I’m thankful for my sobriety today. I’m thankful for CORE, for giving me a safe place to lay my head, and for the people here and the friends I’ve made, who’re like family.”
– Robin T
“How God is working in my life, and for the CORE program and the people in it. I’ve been sober 3 ½ years by the grace of God and this program. They saved my life.”
– Adam G
“For God – my relationship with God. This Sunday will make four years. It’s a complete miracle.”
– Jen B
“I’m really grateful for the support system I have here, and for everyone I’ve met. I’m thankful for CORE.”
– Robert M
“I’m grateful for the person God has helped me grow into and the relationships he helped me build. For literally everything – for my life.”
– Stephanie U
“I am thankful for God putting me here to see others find recovery. And my life in sobriety too. My nieces and nephews just know me as their aunt Alex. I’m recovered.”
– Alexandria P
“My sobriety, employment, and home.”
– Matt N
“God gave me another chance in life. I’m thankful for his understanding and forgiveness, and everything that comes with it. My family and loved ones, and building a new family within CORE.”
– Jen M
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve God, and the opportunity to give back to the program that’s given so much to me.”
– Todd T
“For God and CORE, who helped me become the person my son and parents are proud of and thankful for.”
– Megan W
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve people who are in need. I can give back to a community who needs my help.”
– Don S
“I’m thankful that God showed me who I am, my real self and identity. I’m a better version of myself with values and purpose. And for the CORE program, of course, and the people I know here.”
– Heather S
“My life, recovery, and for my family and children loving me again.
– Brian F
“Second chances, open doors, and my recovery family.”
– Tamara S
“Relationship with God. My family. My sobriety and recovery.”
– Dylan B
“This year I’m most grateful for my children and relationships with them, and for the people who took care of them while I couldn’t.”
– Katie R
“God took my hand and walked me through this. I couldn’t have done it without him. I’m just really thankful that he’s held onto me the whole time and I succeeded.”
– Samantha S