theaddictionconnection
theaddictionconnection
#346 - On the 1st Step of Christmas... (12 Steps) | Mark E. Shaw
#346 - On the 1st Step of Christmas... (12 Steps) | Mark E. Shaw
#346 - On the 1st Step of Christmas... (12 Steps) | Mark E. Shaw
Sunday 14th December 2025
Mark E. Shaw reimagines the first step of recovery with a festive twist, blending Christmas cheer with biblical insights on sobriety.
6 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Authentic
Encouraging
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theaddictionconnection
Overview:
Categories:
Religion & Spirituality
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!A Festive Twist on Recovery: The First Step Reimagined
Episode Overview
- The first step of the 12-step programme is reimagined through a biblical lens.
- Fear can be a short-term motivator for sobriety, but love sustains it.
- Embracing faith provides spiritual strength to overcome addiction.
- Traditional recovery methods are critiqued for their interpretation of powerlessness.
- Transforming desires through faith can lead to long-term sobriety.
"Fear might get you sober for a little while, but love is what sustains."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this festive episode of The Addiction Connection Podcast, Mark E. Shaw unwraps the intriguing blend of Christmas cheer and recovery wisdom. By cleverly reimagining the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' into the 'Twelve Steps of Recovery', Shaw offers a fresh perspective on the first step of the 12-step programme. You'll hear how admitting powerlessness over alcohol is seen through a biblical lens, challenging traditional interpretations and sparking a lively discussion.
Mark E. Shaw, with his characteristic humour and warmth, questions the idea of being powerless, especially for those who have embraced faith. He suggests that, while fear might initially drive sobriety, it's love—particularly love for God—that sustains it in the long run. This episode is not just a critique but a call to rethink motivations and embrace spiritual strength.
With anecdotes from Shaw's own experiences, listeners are encouraged to fill their hearts with faith and transform their desires, moving from fear to love as the ultimate motivator for change. If you're curious about how biblical teachings can reshape recovery narratives, this episode offers a thought-provoking and heartfelt exploration. Ready to challenge your understanding of recovery? Tune in for a dose of festive wisdom.