I have been delivered from low self-esteem, child sexual abuse, addictions, suicidal tendencies, toxic relationships, sexual immorality, anger, abortions and spiritual abuse.  

My name is Leti. 

Before finding Celebrate Recovery, I acted as my own personal God, thinking I knew better for myself and others. I hid from Him. I didn’t want His help because I believed I didn’t deserve it. I was a sinner – numb but pained. I never knew who I was. I would become and would be whatever mask I was wearing at the time. I was also a pretty good liar about who I was and how I was feeling.  

A liar? Or maybe I was lost and truly did not know myself, as Christ knows me. When I walked into Celebrate Recovery seven years ago, I had no clue what it was. When I looked up counseling through my church website, I read about the program and it seemed very uplifting. I was searching for help for my children, husband and others that were broken around me. Unbeknownst to me, there was a character defect called “codependency” that I would soon learn about. 

My first Tuesday night at Celebrate Recovery was surprising. I felt very welcomed, yet I was guarded. I was there to make sure it was a safe place for my loved ones to come to for “their help.”  

I grabbed a beverage, a cookie and the notes for the lesson. I sat down AWAY from everyone, because I was there to “observe.” By the time I went to small groups, I was a hot mess, crying and questioning my intentions there. 

That night one “mask” was slowly peeled away. I learned very quickly that I was always rescuing others, people-pleasing and trying to arrange outcomes for others. A lot of these actions are known as codependency. It was easier to fix others and their lives and leave my life alone because I thought it was too late for me.

But I am not God, and I do not have the control.  

After walking into Celebrate Recovery, I made a promise to myself for the first time and kept it. I no longer wanted to be weighed down with the chains around my soul and tell the lies I would through my masks. I no longer wanted to bear the heaviness and burdens of it.With Celebrate Recovery, I learned that Jesus loves me unconditionally. He knew every past, present and future sin of mine. The program taught me to be powerless in Jesus – to give all my hurts, hang-ups and habits to Him. Doing this freed up room to allow healing to occur with forgiveness, amends, and finally peace within myself. How? I worked the tools Celebrate Recovery has to offer, I kept coming back and I joined a step studies group for a more intimate healing with Jesus.  

James 1:21 says, “so get rid of all that is wrong, in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.” 

Choosing to heal from my hurts, hang-ups and habits through this Christ-centered ministry was the best choice I ever made for “myself,” – and stuck with to save my life. Yet, I have learned loving and following Jesus does not exempt me from the devil’s schemes, which is why I stay plugged in with Celebrate Recovery.  

“Keep coming back. It works if you work it and you are worth it!”  

Leti Gomez
Co-ministry leader of Celebrate Recovery