Special Episode | Announcing the Aligned Conference
Special Episode | Announcing the Aligned Conference

She Surrenders - The Podcast

Sherry Hoppen and Christy Osborne announce The Aligned Conference, a Christian alcohol-free women’s gathering focused on faith, community and recovery. They share who it’s for, why the word "aligned" matters, and how in-person connection can support women at every stage of their alcohol-free journey.

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23:03•21 Apr 2026

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Aligned Conference: Faith, Friendship and an Alcohol-Free Fresh Start

Episode Overview

The Aligned Conference is a Christian alcohol-free women’s event focused on living more closely aligned with Jesus at any stage of the alcohol-free journey.
Alcohol-free friendships can be deeper, safer and more authentic when everyone in the room shares both similar struggles and a shared faith.
Women are encouraged to attend even if they come alone, with reassurance that the structure and community will help them leave with new connections.
You do not need long-term sobriety to attend, but you do need to be sober while there and genuinely seeking to move further away from alcohol.
Limited spaces and a carefully planned programme aim to create a warm, non-catty environment where women can hear stories, gain support and feel less alone.

“"Be brave. Step out of your comfort zone. It will be so, so worth it."”

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol and then gather hundreds of women to celebrate that choice together? This special She Surrenders episode brings Sherry Hoppen and fellow host Christy Osborne together to share news of The Aligned Conference, a Christian alcohol-free women’s event set for 22–24 September 2026 in Holland, Michigan.

Sherry, a 12-years-sober founder of She Surrenders and executive director of Selah House Recovery, and Christy, a senior certified sobriety coach behind Love Life Sober, chat like old friends about why this gathering matters so much. As Christy puts it, the goal is to help women "know the peace and the freedom and the joy" of living closer to Jesus and further from alcohol.

You’ll hear how both of their communities have shown that something special happens when alcohol is no longer "the price of admission to friendship". Women form deep, drama-free bonds, feel safe to be honest, and finally experience social time without pressure to drink. They stress that you don’t have to be years into sobriety to come; you just need to be sober while you’re there and wanting to move away from alcohol.

Sherry and Christy explain why they chose the word "aligned" – a theme that fits women who are just taking their first break from alcohol as well as those who are long into recovery but still craving stronger community. They also introduce confirmed speakers John Seidel, Caroline Beidler, and Erica Anderson, promising stories that speak to addiction, trauma, and loving someone in recovery.

Practical details like dates, travel tips, room blocks, and limited tickets are touched on, but the heart of the conversation is courage and connection. As Christy says, "Be brave. Step out of your comfort zone. It will be so, so worth it." If you’ve been longing for Christ-centred friendships that don’t revolve around drinking, could this be your next brave step?

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