In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Jonathon M. Seidl joins Carol McCracken to share his powerful story of recovery, identity, and hope from his book Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Jonathon opens up about the lies he believed, the role shame played in keeping him stuck, and how redefining alcoholism as a “misordered relationship” helped him name the problem honestly. He talks candidly about faith struggles and the importance of recognizing that while our mistakes describe us, they do not define us. Listeners will be encouraged by Jonathon’s reminder that freedom in Christ doesn’t mean perfection—it means learning to run to the One who redeems us, even in our weakest moments.

Resource referenced: Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free

Discussion/Reflective Questions:
Jonathon says, “our mistakes describe us, but they don’t define us.” How do you see that truth reflected in your own life story?
He describes alcoholism as “a misordered relationship with alcohol.” What other misordered relationships—whether with food, work, approval, or something else—might we need to name honestly?
Jonathon admitted that the only drink he could say no to was the first one. What does that statement reveal about the nature of temptation, and how can it apply to other struggles we face?
How has shame kept you stuck at times, and what practical steps help you break free from its grip?
Identity is a central theme in recovery. How have you learned—or how are you learning—to root your identity in Christ rather than in mistakes, achievements, or struggles?
What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Connect with Jon Seidl

On his website

On Instagram

On Facebook

Subscribe to His podcast, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website 

On Facebook

On Instagram

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Jonathon M. Seidl joins Carol McCracken to share his powerful story of recovery, identity, and hope from his book Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Jonathon opens up about the lies he believed, the role shame played in keeping him stuck, and how redefining alcoholism as a &ldquo;misordered relationship&rdquo; helped him name the problem honestly. He talks candidly about faith struggles and the importance of recognizing that while our mistakes describe us, they do not define us. Listeners will be encouraged by Jonathon&rsquo;s reminder that freedom in Christ doesn&rsquo;t mean perfection&mdash;it means learning to run to the One who redeems us, even in our weakest moments.
Resource referenced: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Christian-Alcoholic-Conversation-Addiction-ebook/dp/B0F2P8B948/">Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free</a>
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Jonathon says, &ldquo;our mistakes describe us, but they don&rsquo;t define us.&rdquo; How do you see that truth reflected in your own life story?</li>
<li aria-level="1">He describes alcoholism as &ldquo;a misordered relationship with alcohol.&rdquo; What other misordered relationships&mdash;whether with food, work, approval, or something else&mdash;might we need to name honestly?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jonathon admitted that the only drink he could say no to was the first one. What does that statement reveal about the nature of temptation, and how can it apply to other struggles we face?</li>
<li aria-level="1">How has shame kept you stuck at times, and what practical steps help you break free from its grip?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Identity is a central theme in recovery. How have you learned&mdash;or how are you learning&mdash;to root your identity in Christ rather than in mistakes, achievements, or struggles?</li>
<li aria-level="1">What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?</li>
</ol>
Connect with Jon Seidl
<a href="https://www.jonseidl.com/">On his website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl">On Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathonmseidl">On Facebook</a>
Subscribe to His podcast, <a href="https://www.jonseidl.com/confessions-of-christian-alcoholic-podcast">Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic</a>
Find Carol McCracken:
<a href="https://www.carolmccracken.com">On her website&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/carol.o.mccracken">On Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/carologlemccracken/">On Instagram</a>

Life is too short and God has too much for us to do for any of us to live enslaved. Jesus promised His followers would experience filled to overflowing life, a life characterized by joy, peace, and spiritual and emotional vitality. And yet, we daily make decisions based on fear, not faith. In Faith Over Fear, author and speaker Jennifer Slattery helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living.

This podcast covers topics like:

⭐️ How to Overcome Fear
⭐️ Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
⭐️ Powerful Steps to Fight Anxiety
⭐️ Finding God Faithful in Hard Seasons
⭐️ Courage to Wait on God

Jesus has more planned for us than we could imagine and He’s fully committed to perfecting that which concerns us. Fear holds us back, but His perfect love has the power to cast out all fear!

Life is too short and God has too much for us to do for any of us to live enslaved. Jesus promised His followers would experience filled to overflowing life, a life characterized by joy, peace, and spiritual and emotional vitality. And yet, we daily make decisions based on fear, not faith. In Faith Over Fear, author and speaker Jennifer Slattery helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living.
This podcast covers topics like:
⭐️ How to Overcome Fear ⭐️ Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety ⭐️ Powerful Steps to Fight Anxiety ⭐️ Finding God Faithful in Hard Seasons ⭐️ Courage to Wait on God
Jesus has more planned for us than we could imagine and He’s fully committed to perfecting that which concerns us. Fear holds us back, but His perfect love has the power to cast out all fear!

Life is too short and God has too much for us to do for any of us to live enslaved. Jesus promised His followers would experience filled to overflowing life, a life characterized by joy, peace, and spiritual and emotional vitality. And yet, we daily...

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