Catie L. Omaha NE. 1/24/20

Catie L. Omaha NE. 1/24/20

In this moving episode, Catie Lourdes takes the stage at the Primary Purpose Roundup in Omaha, Nebraska, to share her transformative journey from the depths of alcoholism to a life of sobriety and hope. Catie, an alcoholic who found herself separated from alcohol by the power of God on May 7th, 2015, recounts how unexpected and miraculous her recovery was, even surprising herself with the change.

Invited by Sean to speak at the Primary Purpose Workshop (PPW), Catie reflects on her past reluctance to attend such events when she was still struggling to accept her condition. She humorously recounts how she would avoid taking direction from her sponsor and leave workshops early, convinced she had better things to do than confront her alcoholism.

However, her perspective has drastically changed, and she now stands before her audience, eager to share the profound impact Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has had on her life. Catie's story is one of hope and transformation. When she first entered AA, she believed the only thing she needed to change was her drinking habits, a prospect that terrified her.

She couldn't imagine a life without alcohol, but soon discovered that her journey in AA was about much more than abstaining from drinking. She learned that alcoholism was woven into her genetic code and that she lacked control over her life. Through AA, she found clarity and support, moving from a place of homelessness and legal trouble to a new life of stability and purpose.

A pivotal aspect of Catie's recovery was her relationship with her sponsor, who emphasized the importance of working with others. Initially, Catie thought the 12-step work was optional, something she would engage in after years of sobriety. However, her sponsor taught her that the spiritual work she was undertaking was meant to be shared, enabling her to pass the message to others.

To her surprise, Catie discovered that even at five or six weeks sober, she had something valuable to offer others. This revelation was empowering and played a crucial role in her recovery. Catie underscores the significance of having a sponsor and the all-or-nothing nature of the AA program, which is effective when fully embraced. She expresses gratitude for the life-altering experiences and spiritual growth she has achieved through AA.

Her story is a testament to the power of community, sponsorship, and spiritual transformation in overcoming alcoholism. As the episode concludes, Catie expresses excitement for the workshop and gratitude for the presence of Peter, a fellow speaker. She encourages newcomers to seek sponsorship and embrace the AA solution, which has changed her life entirely. Catie's journey serves as an inspiration to those struggling with alcoholism, proving that recovery and hope are possible through dedication and community support.