The Perfect Brightness of Hope (The Perfect Brightness of Hope)

A Latter-Day-Saint's journey through alcoholism, addiction, and recovery. It explains how even devout Mormons who do not drink alcohol or use drugs are vulnerable to addictions.. "My name is Phil S., and I am an alcoholic and an addict-an LDS alcoholic and addict! This is my story-a true and honest account of how alcohol almost destroyed me and how I lost everything of value-family, Church, employment, self-respect, and hope. I was not unlike you, active in the Church, a father and husband. I even taught seminary and religion classes at BYU. When I hit rock bottom, something incredible happened-a miracle! The power of the atonement rescued me in a most unusual way, in a smoke-filled room, in the company of other addicts.It is said that everyone has, or knows someone who has, an addiction. We live in an addicted society: alcohol, anger, caffeine, controlling behavior, criticism, food, gossip, pornography, pride, television, tobacco, videos, video games, work, street and prescription drugs-any destructive substance or behavior. To a lesser or greater extent, most of us have a drug or compulsive behavior of choice.. As you open your heart to my story, you will experience vicariously what being an addict is like. You will feel the pain and despair of being trapped in an endless loop of addiction. Your heartstrings will be tugged. But I promise that you will also feel the pure love of Christ. Compassion born of understanding will increase. Most of all, you will come to understand that an incredible power to overcome compulsive-addictive habits occurs when you simply surrender your will and your life to a caring, loving, and merciful Heavenly Father."