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Sep 2006 Issue
by Danielle Ellis
If you have watched General Conference for the past few years, read the Ensign, or heard counsel from Church leaders lately, you have no doubt heard counsel on the plague of pornography, how to avoid it, or how to extricate yourself from it if you are already involved.
As President Gordon B. Hinckley stated in the November, 2004 General Conference: “I am convinced this is a very serious problem, even among us….
“If there be any within the sound of my voice who are [engaging in the practice of seeking out pornographic material], then may you plead with the Lord, out of the depths of your soul that He will remove from you the addiction which enslaves you…. Otherwise, this vicious stain will continue through life and even into eternity….
“If we are involved in such behavior, now is the time to change. Let this be our hour of resolution. Let us turn about to a better way.”
There is Help
To help those who are afflicted with this problem, the Church has started a Pornography Addiction Recovery Support Group program. It is based on the same 12-Step program as the program for other addictions, but it is specifically for those involved with pornography. Those under 18 may attend with a qualified adult.
Women often suffer as much or more when there is a problem with pornography or other sexual disorders in the home. They experience anger, frustration, hurt, betrayal, depression and isolation. They are not alone, and they can heal as well.
There is a separate group for women whose spouses or family members are struggling with pornography. They meet at the same time in the same building, but in different rooms. Sisters will find acceptance, comfort, and the Lord’s strength to help them overcome their trials.
The Journey Back
Several missionaries currently serving in the program are also “graduates” of it. One of them describes the changes that take place within those who attend.
“We have been witness to miracles. We have seen brothers and sisters who have received their temple recommends back. We have seen those who have been unable to partake of the sacrament for years able to partake of it again. We have seen those on the verge of divorce back together again. We have seen those who were lost back in the fold of God.
“What a great feeling that we as missionaries share a small part in the healing process. We provide the place and the opportunity for the Lord to do HIS work. He truly leaves the ninety and nine and he comes after His lost sheep.
“The Spirit is so strong in each and every group. Those who come know that they are in the right place … and that there is hope of recovery.
“It is one thing to see the changes in the lives of others. Like any mission, the biggest converts are the missionaries. It is more personal for me.
“A short time ago I was in the darkest abyss, without hope, without my Savior, and was close to being without my greatest blessing here on earth, my wife. I came into this program not as a missionary, but as a broken person, filled with burning contempt and loathing for myself, and an addiction that I had all but given up ever being able to conquer. I felt I was alone and uniquely broken, unable to be fixed.
“This program is an atonement utilization program, a ‘repentance program for dummies’. The Savior by his grace and mercy saved me, through this program.
“I was no illiterate when it came to the gospel, but all my knowledge, church activity, testimony, and prayers did not free me from my addiction. This program taught me how to use the Savior’s atonement on my behalf. I do not know how or why the steps of the program work. JUST THAT THEY DO!
“I have also learned from this program that what the Lord does for one, He will do for all.”
The Pornography Addiction Recovery Support Group meetings for men and women are every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Stake Building, 4500 W. Bonanza Rd. Call Elder and Sister Robertson at 702-896-5650 for the closest meeting to you.
