GEORGE A. WOOD
"Recovery is possible; but only in the context of a life worth living."
MEET GEORGE WOOD
George A. Wood is a published author, an ordained minister, pastoral care counselor, recovery ministry founder, and recovery activist.
A former addict and suicide survivor, George has dedicated his life to radically grace-laced, Christ-centered recovery for people struggling with addiction, mental health problems, and suicidal thoughts.
He works tirelessly to bridge the gap between the spiritual and scientific communities to help people see recovery differently and build a new baseline for trauma-informed care. A highly charismatic and sought-after teacher and preacher, George has become a nontraditional recovery authority by founding radically divergent ministries, including the Timothy Initiative and the Sober Truth Project.
The Timothy Initiative is a faith-based ministry and open-ended program that works with men in addiction by providing safe housing and work opportunities. The Sober Truth Project aims to reshape how the world views addiction, mental health, people with suicidal thoughts, and the roles that faith, science, and trauma play in recovery to develop a more empathetic and loving society.
George studied business management at Binghamton and Morresville State universities in New York and mental health and Christian life coaching with the American Association of Christian Counselors. A certified addiction specialist, he is a pastor and pastoral care counselor ordained by Cornerstone Mission Family Church.
George currently works directly with the Sober Truth Project, speaking, consulting, and coaching in order to engage, educate, equip, and empower faith communities, churches, and leaders of all people groups. He also has a successful podcast The Sober Truth, which highlights the meeting of faith and recovery, bringing light and understanding to all of the topics of The Uncovery.
“There is a world that is hurting, lives that are being lost, and future generations that are wandering with no one to lead them home,” George says. “Addiction, mental health, trauma, and suicide are terrifying topics; we all feel ill-equipped for the challenges that surround those who are suffering. We cannot continue to sidestep the challenges, and we cannot hold on to the same old procedures that have never worked just because they feel safe. We all must do better.”
George lives in the inner city in Tampa, Florida, with his wife Julie and a community of brothers and sisters living out the gospel in a radical way. He has seen how the power of community can heal the trauma that causes addiction, mental health problems, and suicidal thoughts, so he is focused on mobilizing a generation of believers to go deeper into the uncovery space.
I believe we are all beloved children of God, cherished in every aspect. Our belief in Him should drive us to seek His guidance, for I know that through Him, the mysteries of life will be revealed to us. He has a unique dream for all of our lives, filled with abundant blessings and unwavering peace. I firmly believe that God genuinely cares for us all and understands the desires of our hearts. His presence is as close as the air that we breathe.
In order to find purpose and motivation each day, we need to be committed not only to our work but also to nurturing relationships, cultivating friendships, supporting causes close to our hearts, strengthening our faith, and pursuing personal growth. I strive to fulfill my role as a man who leaves a lasting impact on this world. Moreover, I desire to share this purpose with others so that they too can discover their own sense of meaning.
Living an authentic life is of utmost importance to me. To achieve this, we must confront and dismantle our false selves—the internal lies we perpetuate and believe. It is crucial that we delve deeper into the root causes of these falsehoods and understand the profound transformation that occurs when we shed them. We must wholeheartedly embrace our true, authentic selves.
For my own journey and those I work with, my mission is to help individuals realize and embrace their true identities, thereby freeing them from the entanglements of the false self. I strive to be a wise guide for others in their pursuit of discovering their true identity in Christ. I aspire to be recognized as someone who makes a meaningful difference in the church, particularly in how it approaches recovery and human brokenness. Through leadership, assistance, teaching, and discipleship, I aim to support and guide those who are broken and lost. Together, we can educate and awaken others, empowering them to make a positive impact in this world.
My ultimate goal is to aid others in developing the necessary skills to not only survive but thrive in a world that can sometimes be unforgiving. Even in the face of harsh realities, I firmly believe that healing is possible. This is who I am, and this is the purpose I wholeheartedly embrace.
