From Strangers to Friends: What I Found at a Recovery Retreat

Years ago, when I attended my first recovery retreat, I was nervous.

I didn't know anyone.

Walking into a retreat where everyone else was a stranger was a little intimidating. But it didn't take long to discover that I was surrounded by people who understood something very important about me: my struggles with food.

I didn't have to explain why something that seemed so simple to someone else could feel so difficult. They understood because they had struggled too.

And those strangers became supportive friends.

At the retreats I attended, I found encouragement, laughter, honest conversations, accountability—and friendships. In fact, two women I met through recovery retreats eventually asked me to sponsor them. They became dear friends, and we're still friends today.

That's one of the things I'm looking forward to most about our Renew • Reflect • Restore retreat this fall.

The retreat is open to both men and women, and we're intentionally keeping it small—just 8 participants. I want there to be time for real conversation, personal reflection, and the opportunity to actually get to know the people you're spending the weekend with.

We'll spend time learning and applying the 12 Steps, talking about practical tools for overcoming overeating and emotional eating, and growing closer to God.

But we'll also sit together, talk, laugh, encourage one another, and spend time with people who understand.

So if you're thinking about coming but you're nervous because you won't know anyone, I understand.

I didn't know anyone either.

Sometimes God uses what we learn to change us.

And sometimes He uses the people we meet along the way.

Renew • Reflect • Restore

A Christian Retreat for Recovery from Overeating & Emotional Eating

Open to men and women

October 30–November 1, 2026 | Phoenix, Arizona

Limited to 8 participants

Learn more and register:

https://www.reshapeandrecover.com/retreat2026