Why is alcohol so normalized in church spaces? In this episode of Love Life Sober, Lauren Windle shares her alcohol-free journey, faith-based sobriety, and why alcohol can become a stumbling block to real connection, healing, and belonging in Christian communities. Christy Osborne is joined by Lauren Windle, writer, speaker, and long-time alcohol-free woman who loves Jesus deeply, for a vulnerable and soul-stirring conversation about faith, sobriety, and belonging. Lauren shares her honest alcohol-free testimony—from social anxiety and drinking from her early teens, to hiding in plain sight as the “fun party girl,” to finally laying it all down and finding freedom through sobriety, faith, and community. Together, they explore why alcohol often feels like the solution for anxiety and connection, how it slowly shrinks our world instead of expanding it, and what it looks like to sit with pain without numbing. They also courageously asks why alcohol is being served in church spaces, how sobriety environments often feel more like church than church itself, and how God meets us powerfully in discomfort, honesty, and renewal of the mind. If You’ve Ever Thought… “I drink to feel less anxious and more myself.” “I’m scared of who I’ll be without alcohol.” “I want real connection, not small talk.” Babe, this episode will meet you right where you are What You’ll Learn in This Episode How social anxiety and the desire to belong fueled Lauren’s drinking from a young age Why alcohol felt essential to her identity—and how that belief slowly unraveled Why learning to sit with pain is one of the greatest gifts of sobriety How cravings and “escape thoughts” still show up years later—and how to respond Why alcohol in church can be a stumbling block and distraction from Jesus How neuroscience, Scripture, and renewing the mind beautifully overlap Why deep, honest relationships form faster in sobriety spaces Links & Resources Connect with Lauren:Website: https://laurenwindle.comInstagram: @laurenwindle_ Join the Love Life Sober Communityhttps://lovelifesober.co.uk/community Join the Lent 40-Day Fasthttps://lovelifesober.co.uk/the-fast Order Christy’s book, Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mindhttps://lovelifesober.co.uk/book Connect with Christy on Instagram: @lovelifesoberwithchristy DisclaimerThe creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological, or professional advice nor intend for the podcast or any Love Life Sober communication to substitute for such. Views and opinions expressed in any referenced or linked resources do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team or guests. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
