CASTIMONIA

Sexual Purity Support & Recovery Group

porn

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Consequences of Porn Use

Originally posted at: http://www.theresstillhope.org

Dr. Robert Weiss, author of Out of the Doghouse, is one of the world’s foremost experts on the effects of porn use. His studies have revealed 13 consequences of the frequent use of pornography. These are the percentages of porn users who suffer from specific consequences:

  • Shame: 71%
  • Low self-esteem – 65%
  • Depression, anxiety – 50%
  • Loss of a relationship – 47%
  • Sexual dysfunction – 27%
  • Suicidal thoughts – 19%
  • Sexually transmitted disease – 19%
  • Other health issues – 16%
  • Debt – 15%
  • Impaired parenting – 15%
  • Legal consequences – 6%
  • Loss of employment – 4%
  • Exposure in the media – 1%

Most of us would say, “None of this could ever happen to me.” But as I review this list of 13 consequences, if I’m honest, I must admit that I suffered from nine of these 13.

Here’s the point: “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Recovery Step: Porn has consequences. Quit today.

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Castimonia Retreat Registration – EARLY BIRD ENDS THIS SATURDAY!!!! (Retreat almost full!)

Due to our error, early bird registration has been extended until September 14th!!!

We apologize for any inconvenience. Don’t forget to register. If you are waiting, now is the time. We are over 78% full and running out of spots fast!

Remember, out of state guests receive free admission to the retreat. We also have full and half scholarships available if needed. Please contact info@castimonia.org.

Retreat Dates: November 8th – 10th
Early Registration through August 31st – $195 (now through September 14th)
Regular Registration September 1st – November 4th – $220 (now Sept. 15th – Nov. 4th)

For more information or to register please use the link below:

Castimonia.org/retreat

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Allow God to Mend Your Heart

Originally posted at: https://sexuallypuremen.beehiiv.com/p/allow-god-mend-heart

By Eddie Capparucci, Ph.D., LPC, CSAS

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3

D-Day was the moment your life turned to ashes. You suffered a tremendous jolt that rocked your world and sent you tumbling into the depths of despair. My heart breaks for you, just as it does for those I hurt in the past. 

But your life does not need to remain a rubble of ashes. Instead, you can look at God’s Word in Isaiah 61:3, in which He promises to turn your ashes into something positive. 

I know that sounds impossible. You may think, “God must not understand the depth of my pain.” However, that is not true. God watched his Son be tortured and die on the Cross. God understands pain. God weeps for you. God weeps with you.

This verse speaks of restoration to your shattered world. God wants to exchange your ashes for beauty, your mourning for joy, and your despair for praise. It is a process where God takes the brokenness and pain of our lives and transforms them into something redemptive.

You are a broken vase, and God wants to restore you into someone more beautiful than before. This transformation is possible because God is a master artist, a creator who delights in taking what is broken and making it whole again. This is the work God longs to do in your life. He wants to take the brokenness and the pain and craft them into a masterpiece that reflects His glory.

As you surrender your ashes to Him, He will create a resilient radiance within you. Surrender is the act of giving over your pain, your worries, and your fears to God. Let your roots dig deep into God’s abundant love like a mighty redwood tree. Trust in His unwavering care and watch as He weaves your story into a tapestry of hope and resilience. Understand your ashes do not define you. Your worth and identity are not found in your circumstances but in God’s unconditional love. You are held by a God who transforms brokenness into everlasting beauty. He is the ultimate artist who takes your mess and turns it into a masterpiece. 

Trust Him with your ashes—your pain, your grief, your shattered pieces—and witness the miracle of His restorative power. This trust requires faith, believing God can and will work wonders even in the darkest circumstances. He will turn your mourning into joy, despair into praise, and ashes into a glorious display of His faithfulness. This is the promise of Isaiah 61:3, which God will keep for all who trust Him.

Dr. Eddie Capparucci is a licensed professional counselor certified in treating Problematic Sexual Behaviors. Among his many clients, he has worked with professional athletes, including NFL and MLB players and television personalities. He is the creator of the Inner Child Model™ for treating Problematic Sexual Behaviors.