Ep 92 – What if you love Jesus, serve in your church, and still can’t stop drinking?
In the first part of this personal conversation, Rose Ann Forte sits down with certified Choose Freedom® coach Amy Edwards to share more of the story behind her work. She was leading women’s ministries, teaching Bible studies, and caring for the sick and dying while privately struggling with alcohol.
Rose Ann describes starting cigarettes and alcohol at thirteen, eventually smoking two to three packs a day, and noticing her reliance on alcohol grow after she stopped smoking. She also shares the cycle she knew so well: waking up with consequences, promising not to drink, and believing by evening that this time she could stop at one glass.
Together, Rose Ann and Amy discuss the guilt of breaking promises to God, the fear of being labeled, and why it was so difficult to tell a pastor or counselor the truth. Rose Ann honors the help many people find through twelve-step communities while explaining her own hesitation to seek that kind of support.
The conversation ends with the health fears that moved Rose Ann toward change in early 2020, her decision to try a ninety-day coaching challenge, and a prayer for anyone feeling ashamed or discouraged. Part 2 continues with what helped her change and the life she once struggled to imagine.
In this episode
· Serving in church while hiding a struggle with alcohol
· Starting smoking and drinking at thirteen
· How Rose Ann’s reliance on substances changed over time
· Morning promises, evening bargaining, and “just one glass”
· What Rose Ann believed God thought of her
· How fear of labels made asking for help harder
· The decision to consider a ninety-day challenge
· A closing prayer for courage, hope, and compassionate support
Interviewer: Amy Edwards, certified Choose Freedom® coach and co-host of Alcohol Free Marriage and More with her husband, Matt.
Episode links and resources
Connect with Amy Edwards
Alcohol Free Marriage and More podcast
Related conversation
Rose Ann’s original interview with Pastor Jack Hawkins
Choose Freedom resources
Find a Choose Freedom® provider
Follow Say Goodbye and Imagine! so you don’t miss Part 2 and future conversations about faith, freedom, and lasting transformation. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who may need it.
If you may be physically dependent on alcohol, seek medical advice before stopping or cutting back. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. This podcast and coaching do not replace medical care.
