I hardly ever think to check my clean day app but remembered to check it yesterday – and it must have been a God thing as it was 500 days to the day since I’ve stopped drinking. I am deeply grateful for this and for the community of amazing women I’ve found as well.
I am even more bothered than usual by the “mommy wine culture” that is everywhere because of something that came to my attention a few nights ago.
First, just through a simple Pinterest search, I pulled up these memes:
And, of course, there were about a thousand more.
And it’s not just memes. It’s exercise tops that say “run all the miles. drink all the wine.” and coffee mugs that say “this might be wine” and – now – half marathons that feature wine at each water stop. Ummm, what???
And, before I get to my larger point, I give you the meme that I voted off the island on Sunday morning: the wine serenity prayer.
We can do (MUCH) better than this.
In the time since I’ve last written about alcohol and sobriety related issues, I’ve come across several new accounts on Instagram, including one called tellbetterstories2018 that I would encourage everyone to follow that calls out advertising messages that need to be called out and asks questions that really need to be asked.
This Instagram account is addressing issues in the mainstream media – and that is so important. And the memes I’ve shown above are from Pinterest – a mainstream site.
What has troubled me even more is that, over the weekend, I read the most recent book by Jen Hatmaker, a Christian writer I just love. I’ve read all of her books over the years. She is a funny, down to earth, relatable kind of “every mom.”
I found the book really enjoyable – except that literally every few pages there was a wine reference and it was almost always related to “needing wine” because of her children. It wasn’t just a few; it was a constant thing, to the point of being truly bothersome.
And I HATE to see this sort of thing appear in the writings that are meant to be circulated in the women’s Christian circles. In the past, in evangelical groups, alcohol would have been a no-go, and I certainly don’t consider this a sign of progress.
Again, don’t misunderstand me – no judgment, I still love Jen dearly – but wine culture doesn’t need to meet small group culture like this.
Now, not only are unhealthy alcohol related behaviors being promoted among women as a whole, they are also being promoted among women within the church.
Umm, no.
So, as always, if you are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, help is available to you.
https://www.celebraterecovery.com/
On Instagram, look up the hashtags: #teetotaler #wearetheluckiest #hipsobriety
There are many others as well – and a great community. Just have a look around.
Lastly, I know I say this every time – and I always will – if you are in crisis, please present to the closest emergency room. Regardless of your insurance status, they WILL help you. Please don’t hesitate. Help is always available.
No matter where you are right now, you can be free. I promise.
Be well, everybody.
Grace and blessings.
the autoimmune hippie. 