Giving Thanks, CORE-Style
Every November, Americans gather to give thanks. We share food, laughter, and a little too much togetherness. Someone always brings the green-bean casserole, another insists on talking politics, and at least one person volunteers you for dish duty before dessert. But when all is said and done, Thanksgiving still reminds us of what matters most: family, friendship, faith, and God’s grace that allows us to begin again. For these, we are deeply thankful. And may all of us be ever mindful that gratitude turns whatever we have into enough.
At CORE, gratitude runs deep. We remember what it was like to wake up without hope, and we know how precious it is to wake up with purpose. Every day free from obsession, every meal shared in peace, and every quiet moment of contentment, is something to be thankful for.
For this month, we asked members of our recovery community to share what they’re thankful for. As always, their words say it best:
For my recovery and for the life I have today serving God. For my CORE family — this place saved my life. For my family, who I’ve been reunited with. I live an awesome life and serve an awesome Lord!
— Robin T
Being a giver to the lives around me instead of only a taker. That means the most to me, especially when I’m with my family, knowing I can bring something good to the table instead of being a hassle or a headache and doing something stupid. I’m truly thankful to God for my recovery. Before coming to CORE, I was sleeping in the back seat of my ’03 Taurus. Now I get to help others, and there are even people who look up to me.
— Dylan B
My relationship with my family and my son. Three years ago, I didn’t have that. Now I’m welcome. I’m thankful for my career, for being financially stable, and for saving enough to buy a house. And CORE — oh yes, they saved my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.
— Megan W
Being sober and living a new life — two and a half years and counting.
— Matt N
I’m thankful to CORE for the fellowship, community, and spiritual foundation it offers. And I’m really grateful to God for giving me both the opportunity and the understanding to share the message of recovery with others.
— Tamara S
My sobriety and for the wonderful blessing of having my children in my life. My family is healthy, and that alone is a gift. I’m grateful for CORE, where I’m surrounded by people who’ve walked the same road, keep me accountable, and let me give back by helping others.
— Mike B
My relationship with God. He’s restored relationships I thought were beyond repair. I’m grateful for His Word, and for the chance to apply the principles of the Bible and the Big Book to my life every day. I’m also thankful for my job and for the people I work with, and for the second chances, and multiple chances, God has given me.
— Heather S
For God’s amazing grace, His unconditional love, and everything He’s doing in my life today. In a nutshell, that’s everything.
— Justin L
I’m thankful for this program and for everyone who helps make recovery possible. I’m thankful for my ex and for my daughter, who’s in college and not following in my old footsteps. I’m grateful to my Higher Power, whom I know as Jesus Christ. And I’m thankful for my parents in California — I plan to see them soon and reintroduce them to their son, who has regained his faith.
— Joe R
Having the rebuilt relationships with my family and earning their trust again. I’m close with them now, and that means so much to me. I’m thankful for my recovery and for my relationship with God. Most of all, I’m grateful for my independence and being able to trust my own thinking and handle problems differently than I used to.
— Kristie K
My sobriety, my family, and my health. I’m thankful for CORE and for the sponsors who keep this place running. And most of all, I’m thankful to God, who is the reason for all of it.
— Jeremy H
I’ve been clean for four years, and it’s brought my family back together. I get emotional because that means so much to me. And CORE — I couldn’t have done it without their help. They showed me how it works.
— Brian F
I’m thankful for my relationship with my family and for being someone they can count on. I’m grateful for my job and for all my family here at CORE.
— Abby B
I’m grateful for my second chance at life. I’m grateful to have my family back. I’m just grateful to be alive.
— Spenser R
To have God in my life and a great team of guys around me who support me. It’s inspiring to watch them experience the same blessings I’ve received through this program, and to see them grow and mature as they continue their walk.
— Eric S
My restored relationship with my children and my family, and for having my mom here with me. I’m thankful for my recovery, even though I’m out of the program now, and for the family I still have here at CORE.
— Katie R
Giving back to the people who have helped me so much. It’s a warm feeling to know I’m doing work that makes me happy and helps others too. It’s truly a gift from God.
— Adam Y
I’m grateful for this program. It saved my life back in 2015 and gave me a sobriety that I can’t even compare to the rest of my life. I’m thankful for the leadership here, but just as much for the new people who come in every day. They keep me going and strengthen my own recovery. I have a great relationship with my children today, too. We’ve returned to the closeness we had before I was absent from their lives. I can’t even begin to express the gratitude I feel today.
— Patrick G
Spending time with my family sober and giving back to the community. I fall more in love with the Lord every day.
— Toni W
I’m grateful for my recovery, for my salvation, and for the family I’ve found here at CORE.
— Daniel B
The people I work with and for the fellowship we share. I’m thankful for Jesus — that God gave His only Son for us. And most definitely, I’m thankful for my recovery. I’d probably be in jail or underground without it.
— Neil F
CORE, for teaching me how to lead and for helping me rebuild the parts of my life I once thought were lost forever. Through CORE, I’ve learned leadership, patience, and guidance.
— Randi B
The opportunity to help others. I’ve always wanted to have a purpose and be useful. Now I’ve been given that chance. Whether it’s with my family, because I wasn’t much help as a husband or a father, or with friends, coworkers, or anyone I meet, I finally get to give back. Having the opportunity to help people means everything to me.
— Dallas C