Even Christians Struggle with Addiction and Forgiveness: Jonathon M. Seidl & Yana Jenay Conner
This week, we welcome writer Jonathon M. Seidl (@jonseidl) , who transparently shares his struggle with alcoholism. Jonathon opens up about how he turned to alcohol as a solution to his problems, the breaking point moment when he realized something needed to change, and the real, raw, honest circumstances that led him to healing.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from author Yana Jenay Conner. She shares her personal experience of learning to forgive deep wounds from her family and friendships, highlighting the crucial difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. She also reveals the daily spiritual practices that sustain her heart in the midst of ongoing pain.
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00:00 - Introduction: Even Christians Struggle with Addiction and Forgiveness
00:50 - Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast: Jonathon M. Seidl & Yana Jenay Conner
01:45 - Jonathon M. Seidl: The Christian Who Became an Alcoholic and Overcoming Shame
03:25 - Drinking Wasn't the Problem; Drinking Was the Solution to Escapism
04:55 - Hitting Rock Bottom: The Miami Beach Breaking Point and Lying to His Wife
07:35 - "Sanctification Is a Lifetime": Discovering Radical Grace in Daily Recovery
10:45 - Jonathon's Daily Abiding Time: Prayer, Journaling, and Asking Two Simple Questions
12:21 - Meet Yana Jenay Conner: Learning Forgiveness from Her Mother and Father's Absence
14:42 - Acknowledging Hurt, Fearing Rejection, and Finding Compassion in the Tension
16:01 - Friendship and Humility: Letting People Be in Process and Loving Them Where They Are
17:48 - What Is Forgiveness? Reaching for the Cross and Releasing the Debt Out of Mercy
20:25 - Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: Why Jesus Calls Us to End Unsafe and Abusive Relationships
23:03 - Discerning Trust and Change: Recognizing Heart-Level Transformation in Others
25:31 - Silence, Solitude, and Daily Time in God's Word as Anchors in Pain
26:30 - Devotional Reading: *Jesus Listens* (June 3rd) on God's Light, Cleansing, and Grace
28:13 - Next Episode Teaser:
