Christmas and the holiday season can bring hope, joy and peace. For some however, it can also bring sadness, regret and turmoil. All too often, we remember the past year or years of poor choices, broken relationships and missed opportunities. If we admit it, we've all at one time or another hurt ourselves, hurt someone else, and others have hurt us.

You've probably heard the expression "time heals all wounds." Unfortunately, it isn't true. The truth is, time often makes things worse. Wounds that are left untended fester and spread infection throughout your entire body. Time only extends the pain if the problem isn't dealt with.

Fortunately, we don't have to dwell on the past. Instead, we can choose to look forward in hope of a new beginning.

On Thursday, Jan. 10, at 6:30 p.m., Grace Fellowship will launch Celebrate Recovery. Most people are familiar with the classic 12-step program of AA and other groups that deal only with alcohol or drugs or another single problem. Celebrate Recovery however, is a "large umbrella" program under which a limitless number of issues can be dealt with. It is designed for everyday people who are stuck in perplexing problems, dealing with pain, or struggling with exaggerated desires that make life unmanageable.

Celebrate Recovery is forward-looking and focuses on the future. Regardless of what has happened in the past, the solution is to start making wise choices now and depend on Christ's power to help you make changes.

Celebrate Recovery emphasizes personal responsibility. We cannot control all that happens to us. But we can control how we respond to everything. When we stop wasting time fixing the blame, we have more energy to fix the problem. When we stop hiding your own faults and stop hurling accusations at others, then the healing power of Christ can begin working in your mind, will and emotions.

If the holidays have robbed you of hope, joy and peace, and you are ready to break free from bondage to hurts, habits, or hang-ups, join us to celebrate God's healing power.

Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday evening, with the first meeting held yesterday, Jan. 10, at Grace Fellowship, 1971 S. Main Street, Greensboro, 30642.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and our celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. We welcome those of all faiths as well as those of no faith at all.

For more information, contact Grace Fellowship at (706) 453-0020 or visit our website at gracefellowship.ws.