Episode #177--"We Are All Broken"-1:1 Conversation with Keaton Douglas & Lindsay Schlegel, Authors, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction

In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast 1:1 Conversation, Christina sits down with Keaton Douglas and Lindsey Schlegel to speak about their recently published book, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction. Our conversation focused upon the tragedy of addiction that our society is currently facing, about how we can each respond as members of the Body of Christ, and about how the iThirst initiative can be part of the solution... The iTHIRST initiative empowers dioceses, parishes and communities to become a resource for both those suffering from addictions and their families. At the heart of iTHIRST is an understanding that there is a spiritual dimension to the disease of addiction that cannot be met by clinical professionals, but only by the spiritual consolation and guidance that the Church can provide. Through our comprehensive, faith-based approach to education, we want to transform the way the Catholic Church understands addiction. Through the programs below, parishes and communities educate the Catholic community on the nature of substance use disorders, in age-appropriate language, and demonstrate how our Catholic faith can be a powerful tool of prevention. In addition, we offer formation for laity and clergy to equip them as Certified Spiritual Companions capable of supporting addicted individuals and their families thirsting for relief, thereby helping parishes and dioceses impacted by the scourge of addiction. The iTHIRST Education programs include: iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship Training; School/ Parish Programs; a Catholic Campus Ministry Program, & a Pastoral Care Guide.  The conversation that Keaton, Lindsay and I had was profoundly moving, but filled with great hope--just like their book, The Road to Hope. For all of us who are struggling with addiction, or know someone who is, this conversation is one that NEEDS to be listened to today. Click here to get a copy of the book  To learn more about iTHIRST, go to: https://ithirstinitiative.org/