The True Face of a Relationship healing from Alcoholism.

We arrive early every Sunday morning.

My wife, Sheri, is in charge of Sunday school, and I make sure the acolytes are ready to go.

We greet our friends and the visitors when they enter the sanctuary. Our daughter often works in the nursery, my oldest son helps with the sound system, and “ the littles” (our affectionate name for our youngest two boys) do whatever odd jobs the ministers find for them.

All the regulars know I am a recovering alcoholic because I’ve given a sermon about my struggles and I’m open about my recovery . Everyone in that sanctuary is struggling with something-parenting challenges, job stress, the loss of a loved one, or failing health. They come to church for the comfort of worshiping in fellowship.

My family is admired by our congregation. The respect is given because we truly enjoy taking such an active role in the life of our church. But that’s not the only reason. People who are struggling admire those of us who have faced our demons (especially if we are among the few willing to talk openly about it), and my recovery from alcoholism fits that bill.

But our Sunday morning friends don’t know what they don’t know. My family-with our washed faces, combed hair, and bright smiles-is not, in truth, the…