As Latter-day Saint Christians who are adult children of alcoholics and family dysfunction, we often find ourselves navigating both the rooms of recovery and Sunday services. It is here, among fellow believers and seekers of healing, that we truly discover who we are sitting next to. We are surrounded by others who, like us, carry the weight of fears, insecurities, and past traumas. In these sacred spaces, we stand on equal footing, free from the judgements of material worth and societal positions.

From a mindful Latter-day Saint perspective, we understand that we are all spiritual beings with a divine heritage, brothers and sisters in an eternal family. This understanding allows us to see beyond our mortal experiences and to recognize the spiritual journey we are all on. We reach out for the love and understanding that we may not have received in our families of origin, celebrating each other’s victories and supporting one another in sorrow. As we mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice, we honor our covenantal relationship with our Heavenly Father and with each other.

Our spiritual journey and progress are measured not by money or social status, but by the inner peace and serenity we find through faith in Jesus Christ. We share our personal experiences, laugh together, cry together, and hope with one another. By ministering according to the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we create a sanctuary of fellowship, filled with the peace and love of Christ. Here, we edify and nurture one another along the covenant path of righteousness, fulfilling the two great commandments: to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

For many of us, healing and restoration begin in the recovery rooms. This healing should also extend to our congregations and fellowship, whether on Sunday mornings, in priesthood and relief society meetings, or in the young men’s and young women’s programs. Through our vigilant and mindful ministry to our fellow travelers, we come to know that we are not alone in our healing process. We realize that we are not alone in growing and overcoming the harm and hurt from our past.

As fellow travelers and brothers and sisters in Christ, we possess an equal voice, regardless of our social and economic status. We relate to one another with empathy, compassion, kindness, and the love of Christ, striving to uplift and edify each other until we reach a perfect union of God’s love. On this day, I know that I am not alone in this world as long as I have my fellow travelers—brothers and sisters in Christ—praying for me, encouraging me, empowering me, inspiring me, and lifting me when I need it most.

My spiritual growth and living a mindful, crucified life began when I realized the need to heal from past family dysfunction and alcoholism. It is through this journey, alongside my fellow travelers, that I find the strength and love to continue forward.