Inspiration

We invite you to submit those things that inspire you. This could be a quote, poem, song, image, anecdote that describes your journey in recovery, or anything that might inspire others.

Perhaps, something written by Father Martin or a clip of a film inspired you in your recovery and you want to share that experience with us.

note: We will post all appropriate submissions in the space below, unless you specify otherwise.

"Though the problem is complex, the solutions are very simple." I believe Father Martin stated this in Chalk Talk...he has a gift for pointing out the power in the simplicity of our program. Thanks Father Martin!

                                                                       - Eric D.
 

I am new to my recovery. I am going on 11 months sober thanks to God and my treatment program. I have been in a lot of programs during my addiction and never took it seriously,until I hit rock bottom. I have watched a few videos of Father Martin and they inspired me tremendously. I can't imagine my life without God and my recovery process.

                                                                       - Nicole H.
 

"I'm not alchoholic because God loves me less... I'm alcoholic so God can use me more."

                                                                       - Art G.
 

Death of an Innocent

I went to a party, Mom,
I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom,
So I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom,
The way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, Mom,
Even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom,
I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
As everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom,
I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me,
So responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom,
But as I pulled out into the road,
The other car didn't see me, Mom,
And hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,
I hear the policeman say,
"The other guy is drunk," Mom,
And now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom...
I wish you'd get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom?
My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom,
And most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom,
I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom,
I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom.
The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank
And I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom?
It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now.
Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
And I don't think it's fair.
I'm lying here dying
And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom,
Put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom,
Not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom,
I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
I'm becoming very scared.
Please don't cry for me, Mom.
When I needed you,
you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom.
Before I say good bye.
I didn't drink and drive,
So why am I the one to die?

                                                                         -author unknown
 

Wow!  I don't know where to begin.  Let me just say my husband and I just celebrated our 25th Anniversary on November 2nd, 2007.  But bigger than that we just celebrated 20 years of sobriety together in April 2008.  Its hard to believe because we were told from the very beginning our chances of making it sober, let alone sober together, was next to nil.  Not very uplifting.  We searched for two years for couples like us, who had blazed the path before us, nothing.  We thought we had found some, only to find out one was still drinking or were getting divorced.  Believe me there were times we wanted to do those things too.  It has been a journey but we have made it and will continue inspite of the odds because of the Grace of God.  Our story is one of pain, loss, joy, hardships, and love - the stuff we call life.  I just want other couples who are struggling to know you are not alone, you can live with your sobriety and with each other.  We raised our five kids in sobriety, trying to teach them as we go.  I would like to say that none of that has touched alcohol, but that would be a fairy tale, and remember I am talking about life.  To this day, they all drink, as they say responsibly.  But that is another story.  It has been 20 years since we hears Father's Chalk Talks, but they left a lasting impression.  That is how I found your site, trying to find out where I could get the tapes.  Someday, I hope to be able to purchase the tapes to share with other.  God Bless you all.

                                                                        - Lynelle

 

I'm just out of treatment.  I'm a singer/songwriter and I was really inspired by Father Martin.  He's pretty kewl! One day at a time dudes! P.S. I live in Dublin.  I'm Irish.  Today, I'm Sober!!!

                                                                       - Majella

 

I have been in recovery for 11 plus years.  I found out a little over three years ago that I have an aneurysm in my brain.  It was suggested that I wait until it reached another two milimeters before considering an operation.  After approximately three years, it had grown three milimeters larger.  I had a cranial aneurysm clipping done on May 5th, 2008.  The spiritual message that spoke loudest to me through all of this is - Life is happening for me, not to me.  I have a choice of whether I want to be a student or not.  I choose to be a student!

                                                                      - Stewart

 

My name is Norrie, I am an alcoholic.  My sobriety date is February 16th, 1988.  I am a member of the Oban Sunday Night Group in Scotland, U.K.  Yours with love in the fellowship.

                                                                       - Norrie

 

Dear Father Martin,

I met you at two months sober and many times after that.  You are the mainstay of my program and a very important spiritual guide in my life.  It is as our souls have been kindred spirits since I got sober.  Thank you for touching my heart and my life.  I have been so grateful to have your guidance.  I also own every movie that you have made, to watch and show to the clients I serve at the counseling services I own and operate with God's help.  I named them Recovery Unlimited Counseling because your message has always been that my recovery is as unlimited as my willingess to grow!  God bless you, as your spirit has blessed and helped protect me this past 25 years, 5 months, and 2 days of sobriety.  I remember to count because if my time sober isn't the most important thing in my life, then something else is.  Love and Hugs, in his name.

                                                                       - Nancy the Hugger