Our Scars, God’s Grace: Sherry Hoppen & Tanya Glessner
*This episode contains mature content and may not be suitable for all listeners.*
This week, we’re joined by Sherry Hoppen—author, speaker, recovery coach, and founder of She Surrenders. Sherry recounts her family history of alcohol abuse, and how she herself descended into a secret addiction to alcohol, all the while trying to paint the perfect picture of her life as a wife, a mom, and a Christian.
Later, we’ll hear from author and advocate Tanya Glessner, who also struggled with addiction's grip, one fueled by the trauma and violence she experienced in her childhood. Spiraling into a life filled with drugs and crime, Tanya eventually went to prison, where unexpectedly, she had a personal and spiritual awakening.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Ryan Sheckler
Upcoming interview: Sabrina Greenlee
Jesus Calling commemorative edition
Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day At A Time
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
Interview Quotes:
“From the outside, yeah, it all looks pretty good. I wore the mask of everything: Christian, mom in the community, my husband was an elder. There was no place for me to stand up and say, ‘I'm an alcoholic and I need help.’” - Sherry Hoppen
“I knew that [alcohol] had the power to take away everything I love, every single thing. So I raised one hand in the air to God and with the other unscrewed the bottle over the sink. And I said, ‘God, take it. I surrender my life and I give it to you. I'm yours. I'll do whatever you want.’ And I poured it down the sink.” - Sherry Hoppen
“The grace that God showed me each and every day, even while I was drinking, was the only thing that rescued me from complete self-destruction and saved my life.” - Sherry Hoppen
“I'll always cherish the memories of how God started to mend my brokenness.” - Tanya Glessner
“I am living proof that no one is too far gone to be saved. God never wastes a hurt. He is using my past to write others' futures.” - Tanya Glessner
“Prayer is like picking up the phone and calling the one person you know you can count on in any situation, no matter what time it is.” - Tanya Glessner
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Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C
Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj
Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u
What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj
For more, check out Jesuscalling.com
