Does Recovery Work?
I am writing today at the end of a tough and trying week, with the loss of one of our own, who championed faith in Jesus Christ, Charlie Kirk. All living today witnessed a man of God get martyred for his Christian faith last Wednesday. The last political assassination the world witnessed was Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Charlie’s murder caused a myriad of emotions in millions of people. Those emotions ranged from infinite sadness to outrage. As the days pass, I pray we find the balance in an anointed boldness. Boldness to speak the truth in love. Anointing because we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. Anointed boldness where truth is revealed and God gets the glory.
The amount of tributes for Charlie on media outlets shows the far-reaching influence his message and his life had. It has caused me to reflect on whether I am even leaving a good influence on those in my circle. It causes me to think long and hard about my daily routine. Am I considering the souls of those around me and those I come in contact with? The word that stands out for me to reflect on is intentional.
These same thoughts came to me about six years ago when I found myself in a mess, wondering how to get out. Since then, I have met many people who found themselves in the same situation and found the way out. We discovered the way out is always up. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
One such person I know is Isaac Stooksberry, the founder of Big Fish Ministries in Foley, Alabama. His story will rock your boat, cause you to get out and walk on the water towards Jesus. Once, full of himself, addictions, and shame, he shifted when he encountered the Lord Jesus one night while in a recovery program.
Now he and his wife, Rana, run a ministry helping others in the same place he was over 20 years ago. Isaac got over himself, let go, and let God lead and guide him to serve others. In sharing the good news of the Gospel, he encourages and practices discipleship and fellowship with others to build a solid foundation of your faith. Coupling grace and truth, Big Fish Ministries provides for the basic needs of those in recovery while offering true freedom through a relationship with God through Jesus.
Does recovery work? Ask a Big Fish graduate, of which there are over 200, and the answer resounds YES. Not only does recovery work, but faith-based, Christ-centered recovery yields fruit and fruit that remains. Isaac and Rana, through Big Fish Ministries, have seen success measured by changed lives. Yet, the message Isaac wants to leave with others is to be bold. Don’t hesitate to share your faith, and never apologize for Who you believe in.
The heart of the matter really is the matter of the heart.
To learn more about Isaac Stooksberry and Big Fish Ministries, go to
https://www.bigfishministries.org
Dr. Michele
September 14, 2025
