Sobriety Through Spirituality - Ericka’s Story

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. "

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. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!