Join us in this episode as we share the recovery story of Billie Gossage.

Billie's story is one many people can identify with. Drinking was just a good time as a teenager in the 70s but became a way of life while working, taking care of family and raising children. When a series of events led to major issues of grief in Billie's life she self medicated as many will. The intervention of her daughter set Billie on a recovery journey that has led to her being the first employee of Coweta Force in Newnan and she is now opening another recovery center in Lagrange, Friends of Recovery in Troup.

We are pleased to kick Connecting Hearts Network podcast off again with our newest episode featuring Katie McCauley.

Katie is a Certified Peer Specialist - Addiction and the Coordinator for PEPPA at Coweta Force Recovery Center. She is sharing her recovery story through substance addiction and the many complications it brings to a productive person who is working with others in recovery sharing her lived experiences to help them navigate through. But most importantly, Katie is a present and active mother to her 3 children.

Listen in as she shares how God is redeeming her story day by day,

Join Margie as she talks life with local artist Jean Dewitt. Jean shares her personal story and how she ended up from New York to California to Georgia. Its a long talk but very entertaining as they discuss cleaning and organizing tips, family, art, poetry and stealth evangelism. Check out Jean;s art on etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeanDewittDesigns

If our listeners contact Jean by email she will send them her organizing ebook 'Y The YAR Home"

Our family has been a victim of mental health crisis more than once. Personally I have had two major depressive states and suffered from anxiety attacks. Both of mine were deemed situational depression but they were life altering. This episode is told from the viewpoint of a caregiver for those with mental health issues. My mother was born on October 10th which was declared World Mental Health Awareness Day over 50 years ago and a worldwide organization formed to address concerns and awareness of mental health issues. My mother had meningitis as an infant and recovered but was told she would have lifelong nerve problems. Learning the history of our family it has been noted that a chemical imbalance runs in the family which has cause several to suffer different conditions.

This episode also addresses mental health from a spiritual viewpoint which includes denouncing new age practices which deceive people into believing they are receiving help when in truth they are not. Jesus is the great physician and it is only by him that you can be healed. We acknowledge the need for medical consultation and state that medication may be needed from a clinical stand. We believe God has indeed provided physicians and counselors for our good, just make sure you are seeing those that are truly good and not those whose practices are not Biblically sound.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and that is a purpose Holly Reese and Margie Conway have dedicated their time too. This episode is focuses helping others find support and their way out of domestic violence situations. How can you help someone in a domestic violemce situation? Here are some tips.

If someone you know is in an abusive relationship, here’s how to help:

• Approach the person at a time and place that is safe and confidential.
• Start by expressing concern, such as, I am worried about your safety, I am concerned someone is hurting you.
• Take the time to listen and believe what they say.
• Communicate that you care about their safety, that they do not deserve to be hurt, and that the abuse is not their fault.
• Tell them they are not crazy. A person who has been abused often feels upset, depressed, confused, and scared. Let them know that these are normal feelings.
• Tell them good things about themselves. Let them know you think they are smart, strong, and brave. Their abuser may be tearing down their self-esteem.
• Respect their choices.
• Encourage them to build a wide support system. Help find a support group or encourage them to talk with friends and family.
• Be patient. Self-empowerment may take longer than you want. Go at their pace, not yours.
• Consider calling CFPA to learn more about the kinds of help available, to ask questions specific to the situation, and to learn how you can be an effective and supportive ally.

• Do not accuse, diagnose, or judge their choices; do not draw conclusions about what they may be experiencing or feeling; and do not judge or criticize their abuser.
• Do not pressure them to leave the abusive relationship. There are many reasons they may choose stay. It is possible their abuser has threatened to hurt them or their children if they try to leave. The abuser may control all of their finances and may have isolated the victim from friends and family, leaving them with very few resources of their own. The abuser may have promised to change, and the victim may still love them. It is never as simple as encouraging a victim to “just leave” but by all means, communicate to them that help does exist, and that people in their community care about them and their children and want them to be safe.
• Do not feel the need to be an expert. Do not try to provide counseling or advice, but do connect them to trained people who can help.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

Text "START" to 88788

Visit our page for Privacy Policy. Msg&DataRatesMayApply. Text STOP to opt out.

staff are available 24/7 to take a call.

Connecting Hearts Network is hosted by Linda Kirkpatrick this week. Linda talks with Quen Roscoe from Quendora's Box. Quen is a woman with many creative talents that she uses to glorify God. Believe us, taste one of her cakes and you will say 'Hallelujah'. Quen talks with us about her journey to this point in life and how she is using her talents.

For this episode of the Connecting Hearts Network we have a guest host who is no stranger to our audience. Warrior Defender Holly Reese speaks with Serena Brooks- bowman who is a children's advocate and safety instructor. The two share their remarks on the movie 'Sound of Freedom" which deals with child trafficking. Listen in for information and tips to keep our children safe.

Join me as I talk with Lori Jones about her work with children at Christian Families Today and their new workshop for children about their Christian identity. Lori shares her testimony as a mom of three young girls and as a childrens counselor at Christian Families Today.

You can find out more about Christian Families today and how to sign your children up for this wonderful workshop. Check out the adult workshops and enroll yourself in one. Check out their Living In Jesus podcast! You will be glad that you did!

https://cftministry.org/