Sobriety Through Spirituality - Ericka’s Story
03/31/24 • 41 min
When Ericka first confided her struggle with alcohol with a small group gathered in her church basement, she shared her addiction bravely and honestly. Her voice beckons us to walk alongside her as she navigates sobriety through the lens of her faith as a Christian woman. Today, we're honored to share the microphone with Ericka, who gives a raw and truthful account of her path from high school warning signs to the pressures of social drinking that escalated into motherhood. It's not just about the cautionary tales but finding a balance in educating without instigating rebellion, all while upholding the values that are the bedrock of our lives. Her story is one of bravery that will resonate with anyone grappling with the complexities of being open and honest as a Christian woman in recovery. The episode culminates with a look at the indispensable role of the church in nurturing spiritual growth and supporting those in recovery.
Ericka and I met when she reached out to me via Instagram last November for an interview she was working on for Christianity Today. We had a great connection immediately. We are both women of faith leading a life of sobriety, and that interview turned into a very long conversation as we shared our experiences with each other. I knew she would be a great guest on the She Surrenders podcast!
Ericka is also the author of the Book;
Reason to Return-Why Women need the Church and the Church Needs Them. We will talk a little bit more about the book here too and of course I will link the book in the notes as well. So welcome Ericka, I am so glad we finally made this happen!
BIO
Ericka Andersen is a freelance writer in Indianapolis, Indiana. She's a mom of two and the author of Reason to Return and Leaving Cloud 9 https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Cloud-Resurrected-Poverty-Illness/dp/1400208270. You can follow her on Instagram @ericka_andersen and learn more at ErickaAndersen.com
Book Links
By Ericka Andersen:
Reason to Return-Why Women need the Church and the Church Needs Women.
http://reasontoreturn.co/
Leaving Cloud Nine-The True Story of a Life Resurrected from the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma, and Mental Illness
https://amzn.to/3xh5XSI
Mentioned in the Podcast
Downstairs Church -Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery by Caroline Beidler
https://amzn.to/43DlhVu
Sober Spirituality-The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol https://amzn.to/3xcVuYt
*note from Sherry
"I have not personally read the books Mentioned in the Podcast so I do not place them here as a personal recommendation but as a resource for you to pursue as they were mentioned by our guest. I do plan on reading them myself but at the time of publication of this podcast I have not. "
About the She Surrenders Podcast:
On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery.
Help us reach more listeners: like, subscribe, review, and share.
Find us on Instagram @shesurrenders_sherry, on Facebook @shesurrenderssherry, and online at www.shesurrenders.com.
When Ericka first confided her struggle with alcohol with a small group gathered in her church basement, she shared her addiction bravely and honestly. Her voice beckons us to walk alongside her as she navigates sobriety through the lens of her faith as a Christian woman. Today, we're honored to share the microphone with Ericka, who gives a raw and truthful account of her path from high school warning signs to the pressures of social drinking that escalated into motherhood. It's not just about the cautionary tales but finding a balance in educating without instigating rebellion, all while upholding the values that are the bedrock of our lives. Her story is one of bravery that will resonate with anyone grappling with the complexities of being open and honest as a Christian woman in recovery. The episode culminates with a look at the indispensable role of the church in nurturing spiritual growth and supporting those in recovery.
Ericka and I met when she reached out to me via Instagram last November for an interview she was working on for Christianity Today. We had a great connection immediately. We are both women of faith leading a life of sobriety, and that interview turned into a very long conversation as we shared our experiences with each other. I knew she would be a great guest on the She Surrenders podcast!
Ericka is also the author of the Book;
Reason to Return-Why Women need the Church and the Church Needs Them. We will talk a little bit more about the book here too and of course I will link the book in the notes as well. So welcome Ericka, I am so glad we finally made this happen!
BIO
Ericka Andersen is a freelance writer in Indianapolis, Indiana. She's a mom of two and the author of Reason to Return and Leaving Cloud 9 https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Cloud-Resurrected-Poverty-Illness/dp/1400208270. You can follow her on Instagram @ericka_andersen and learn more at ErickaAndersen.com
Book Links
By Ericka Andersen:
Reason to Return-Why Women need the Church and the Church Needs Women.
http://reasontoreturn.co/
Leaving Cloud Nine-The True Story of a Life Resurrected from the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma, and Mental Illness
https://amzn.to/3xh5XSI
Mentioned in the Podcast
Downstairs Church -Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery by Caroline Beidler
https://amzn.to/43DlhVu
Sober Spirituality-The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol https://amzn.to/3xcVuYt
*note from Sherry
"I have not personally read the books Mentioned in the Podcast so I do not place them here as a personal recommendation but as a resource for you to pursue as they were mentioned by our guest. I do plan on reading them myself but at the time of publication of this podcast I have not. "
About the She Surrenders Podcast:
On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery.
Help us reach more listeners: like, subscribe, review, and share.
Find us on Instagram @shesurrenders_sherry, on Facebook @shesurrenderssherry, and online at www.shesurrenders.com.
Previous Episode
Braving Addiction Together: A Pastor's Wife's Journey of Compassion and Hope
When the person you love becomes a stranger consumed in the grip of addiction, the world can feel upside down. Deb's bravery shines as she recounts her experience of supporting her husband, a pastor, through his harrowing battle with prescription pain medication dependency. Our conversation delves into the heart of a marriage tested by the silent war of addiction, offering a compassionate perspective on a struggle that is far more common than many dare to admit. Deb's journey, marked by resilience and faith, provides an intimate look at the complexities of loving someone through their darkest times.
This episode doesn't shy away from confronting the uncomfortable silence that often surrounds addiction in faith communities. We discuss the church's role in the healing journey, examining the stigmas and challenges faced when seeking support. Addiction within the walls of a church can be a lonely battle, but it's a story that needs to be told, and I am grateful to Deb for telling it here. I can honestly say the book they wrote about their story is one of the best I have ever read.
Bio
Deborah Beddoe is a writer and editor who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her pastor husband, Dave. She is the author of The Heart of Recovery: How Compassion and Community Offer Hope in the Wake of Addiction (Revell, 2019). Deb is in her last year of studies for a Masters in Theopoetics and Writing from Bethany Theological Seminary. Dave, whose story is central to their book, has led recovery groups since 2009. For many years, Deb also led groups for spouses and mothers of loved ones caught in addiction or recovery. Dave and Deb are newly empty-nesters whose four children left them with a big codependent dog and a bothersome cat for entertainment.
Order their amazing book; The Heart of Recovery!
https://amzn.to/49NhIP1
About the She Surrenders Podcast:
On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery.
Help us reach more listeners: like, subscribe, review, and share.
Find us on Instagram @shesurrenders_sherry, on Facebook @shesurrenderssherry, and online at www.shesurrenders.com.
Next Episode
The New Audible version of Sober Cycle! - Chapter One
I'm all by myself for a special episode here today as you will be the first to hear the Audible Recording of the soon-to-be-released, all-new,
Sober Cycle-Pedaling My Way Through Recovery One Day At a Time.
As the soft hum of bicycle wheels on pavement echoes through my memories, I welcome you to an episode that pedals through the gritty terrain of recovery. Embark with me, Sherry, as I vulnerably unearth Chapter 1 of the newly revised edition of "Sober Cycle." You will hear the fear in my voice and the resolve in my spirit as I share a narrative steeped in both the despair and the ironic humor that addiction sprinkles throughout my journey.
Here is the pre-order link for the hardcover and Audible Versions. https://a.co/d/i5q5mjD , which will be available on April 30! Head to shesurrenders.com and subscribe to our newsletter for all the fun details I discussed today. Thank you!
About the She Surrenders Podcast:
On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery.
Help us reach more listeners: like, subscribe, review, and share.
Find us on Instagram @shesurrenders_sherry, on Facebook @shesurrenderssherry, and online at www.shesurrenders.com.
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