Tag Archives: drug and alcohol addictions

Labor of Love

16 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, History, Integrity, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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Labor and love do not seem to belong in the same sentence, do they. The things I love to do I really do not consider that to be work. I enjoy shopping bargains. I could spend hours looking through old movies trying to find that special one vague to my memory. Books, music, and even vintage magazines, like old National Geographic editions can occupy me for long periods. It isn’t easy to place the enthusiasm I feel for treasure hunting into my job. I am grateful for the ability to work, and very grateful for the weekly paycheck. But how can I consider loving a job?

Attitude toward anything in life can change our perspectives from monotony to thrill. I really enjoy working, preferably work I know how to perform. I am not a friend to the unfamiliar. I have found that no matter what the job may be, boredom can set in, complacency can follow, and complaining begins. So I have to go to the Source to get answers why something I once liked to do is now detestable.

“Workers obey your earthly employers in everything you do. Try to please them all  the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Col.3:22-23 NLT

That passage is a real passage for me. A passage from disliking my job to enjoying my work. I find that when I enjoy the work I do for the money I earn, that enjoyment is like a hallway leading to enjoyment in everything, or any volunteer work I attempt. My attitude becomes infected to do good in everything, enjoying difficulties knowing it pleases God. That continues into doing the unfamiliar that I do not want to think about doing, let alone loving it.

Working in recovery groups was unfamiliar to me at first. When I could see that this could help others, as a follower of Christ, I determined to get involved. I love being a help, or at least trying to be one. The first month or so of blogging, well, I liked doing it, but I kept tripping over myself. I was more concerned how I was viewed by others instead of whether the post may help them. Things change with our attitude and the purpose in whatever you and I do, do it to please God. He takes care of the results. Make your labor your love.

Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

Heavy Hands

14 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, History, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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I spend a few moments nearly every morning on Facebook, wishing Happy birthdays mainly, checking personal messages, etc. I always check out the news feed too. I notice quite a bit of gloom in many of the posts. I also look over my own blogs, noticing how many seem dark and reflect the misery of people wrapped in addictions. Turn on the morning news and you get slapped in the face with world and national sorrows, seldom do the networks share joy. Off we go about our day carrying the weight of the world. So when we get to our jobs, there is no smile, no encouragement to share with others that need a boost.

I have an exercise you may want to try. Clap three times, stretch your hands toward the ceiling. (This is not a magic formula like clicking your heels together three times, you’re not in Oz, you’re not Dorothy) Now, when you do this add these words, “for God is good, his mercy always endures!” Do this several times. If you don’t feel better…go see a physician.

Why carry the weight? Why be downcast and miserable?

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor…bind up the broken…proclaim liberty to the captives…release from darkness for the prisoners…to comfort all that mourn…provide for those who grieve in Zion…a crown of beauty instead of ashes…oil of gladness instead of mourning…and a GARMENT OF PRAISE, instead of a spirit of despair!” Is.63:1-3 NIV

“Wash your face every morning in praise.” Chas.H Spurgeon

“Come everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! Ps.47:1 NLT

“Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down”…Heb 12:12 KJV

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth!” Ps.66:1 AMP

Coming out from under the load of life struggles may require some strange activity on our part. One day I was at work and had the blues so bad, such a sense of oppression, that I felt I could not work. My partner and I were given a job that required me to ride the back of the rail cars, while he ran the locomotive ten cars away. I boarded the rear car and suddenly, through the heavy despair, I sensed to spend this alone time in praise of God for His omniscience, His omnipresence, His omnipotence. As we moved along and I worshipped in praise…the heaviness lifted, entirely! People may have thought me insane, talking to myself, but I didn’t care. God is worthy of praise no matter if I am in a crowd or alone.

Jehoshaphat sent the singers and praisers ahead of the army in a battle they could not win. (2 Chron.20) As they began to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness…God sent angels to confuse the enemy, the enemy turned on each other, praise works.

Clap, sing, stretch your hands toward the heavens saying to God, help, Abba! Tell Him how great He is in your eyes. Like Jehoshaphat…He will roar out of Zion in your defense, He will strip the yoke of heaviness off of your shoulders!

Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all!

Relapse: Powerless Grad School

10 Friday May 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, recovery from addictions, Think in Today, Relationships

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What causes anyone to return to misery and pain they had found freedom from, I may never figure out. I know addiction has power over the addicted, so I am not finger pointing. I may never know why, but I do know how it happens for many. Some people have what is called, “chronic relapse syndrome,” that they seem to have no control over. “I was in line to pay for my fuel, and I saw the cooler and my favorite beer, and then that was it,” you may hear them say. I really do not believe that.
When does it Einstein?  
I believe relapse happens long before the drink, before the drive past the old dope house and being dragged inside from the addiction. The day the one recovering thinks they do not need a meeting, don’t feel like calling their sponsor, have no intention to help another needing help, forgets to pray, the return to hell is on. The little things we did to get clean and sober, somehow becomes unnecessary to us, so we taper off a little here, a little there, then, oops! Those vital “little things” become a major task when we see doing them as work, not seeing each of these are blessings from God to teach us how to live again.
Think, Think, Think
Remember when you arrived? How you felt? When hope was found? When family and friends began to trust you again? No? You don’t remember? …That is the beginning, forgetting. You were eager to get to a meeting….now you find them monotonous. You were surprised strangers wanted to help you….now they bug you with their little “sayings” and advice. You were shocked that when you asked God to help you stay sober each day, it really worked….now, it’s been days since you even thought about God, or asking for His help.
These are a few of the many reasons for relapse, yet what caused the complacency is no longer avoiding known “triggers” that influence your thoughts. Hanging out with the old crowd to show them how tough you can be but not drinking is a danger zone. Isolating yourself because you can’t be around people right now, is another. Getting into the nightly TV rut, listening to the music you always drank to, compromising your boundaries, a couple more reasons.
How can I get it back?
Here’s a few short ideas. I am no different than you. I have struggled myself with all of these simple little daily to-dos, so don’t feel you are unique.
1) Have a morning program. The first conscious moments ask God to help you stay sober today. Have a reading regimen, putting wisdom and positive thoughts in your mind before starting any tasks. Find 3-5 things you are grateful for each morning. Reflect in meditation about where you are now, and where you came from.
2) Go to a recovery meeting as often as possible. If you are in a funk from the same meetings, change up, go elsewhere. This is the place where you discover those little “things” you do have a major effect on your recovery. Being around like-minded people brings the notion that you are not the only broken person needing help. I am so grateful for every meeting, and sorry I didn’t get to more of them.
3) Be available to help another. Ask God each day for an opportunity to help someone, anyone. It doesn’t have to be someone in recovery, maybe an elderly neighbor. You will never understand what serving others does for you and your recovery until you get involved. “I don’t have time,” is a way of saying, “I don’t want to.” If you asked God for someone you can help, He will provide the time.
If you are complacent with your recovery, take that as serious, as serious as though you have already used or drank. In reality your mind is already uncomfortably back doing what earned you a seat in recovery.
Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

NDP, Some Considerations

02 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, recovery from addictions, Think in Today, Raising Children, Relationships, Politics, History, the Word of God, Integrity

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I  do not want to make this a long post of the history of the” NDP”, nor of it’s recent neglect and finger pointing with all of the recent, “can you believe that” accusations. I would like for you and me to give the “NDP” some thought as to its purpose, and how we should approach God in petition for this annual event. Oh, by the way, “NDP” is the “National Day of Prayer.” Don’t stop reading since you now know what that means. I will try to be brief.

Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, outside of Chicago, wrote a book called, “Too Busy NOT to Pray,” some twenty years ago. It is a very good book on the topic of prayer that I recommend for everyone I work with in recovery to read. The reason is for it’s simplicity and direction on how to pray, and what to pray. Bill uses a memorable formula in bringing our requests to God. A.C.T.S.

A- adoration. This is approaching God in praise of His, Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence, as Lord God Almighty
C- confession. Asking for forgiveness for our personal sins and neglect, for selfish living, etc.
T- thanksgiving. Thanking God for all of His manifold blessings, and for answering us when we pray.
S- supplication. We then ask Him for our needs and requests.

Using this little formula does not make wishes come true. God is not a celestial Santa, a genie popping out of a bottle, or Bill Gates spreading out his wealth. No, He is our loving Father, desiring to grant us our requests as we ask in faith, and according to His will, which is His Word. I will not ask you to take my word on that, nor do I have the time to go through passages, giving Word-based prayer. (I am not being arrogant, I want to keep this readably short.)

The National Day of Prayer
Some things we should pray about as a body of believers and for our nation are:
1) Unity. We are a divided nation. Left and right, multicultural, evangelical and secularists, devout and post-modern in worship. In all of these separating titles, we have lost our way as a people. Our origins were intended to end tyranny, we have a government today that has become tyrannical, and think they know what is best for the people, which omits God and removes rights guaranteed by our constitution. Pray that God will draw our hearts as a people back to Him, loving each other regardless of our differences in belief, or in culture. We cannot expect the unbeliever to pray at all. If the believers pray for God to unite us as the body of Christ, and help us lay aside petty differences that have nothing to do with redemption, there will be unprecedented unity, and a harvest of those desiring to be in the light.

2) Repentance. We have national sins. Not only our neglecting God, but continuance of humanistic thought in the family from not teaching our children biblical truth because we’re too busy, allowing their minds to be defiled by man’s wisdom. I know we have the constant fight to end abortion, to define the family, along with many laws we consider ungodly. However, if we do not teach our young foundational truths, giving them a platform to denounce these sins, the ungodly laws will stand. We need to repent for not teaching the young, and learning about what we say we believe ourselves.

3) Being Jesus. We want to conform to the image of Christ, but hang on to personal prejudices. Pray that God helps us as followers of Jesus, to live lives of integrity and eliminate our dislikes and looking down our noses at those in darkness. Quit saying “hate the sin, love the sinner,” and start doing so. The drug addict, the prostitute, the greedy, gluttonous, atheist, the homosexual need Jesus…and so do you. We must stop looking down, look across at those  we think we are superior to.

I really tried to make this short, oops, didn’t work. There are many things we need to ask God to save us from. We are fallen. We want godly leaders, nice neighborhoods, beautiful cities. We want prosperity, good health, and plenty to eat. But we also want these things on our terms, excluding others. God forgive us. We want good jobs, but we want the foreigners removed, “they don’t belong here,” we say. We want marriage to be a man and a woman, yet we have a 50% divorce rate. We don’t know how to commit to anything, but we know what we hate, God forgive us, forgive our arrogance. Please consider these thoughts, pray today for the nation. Pray first for those you despise.

“In those days, Israel had no king, all of the people did WHAT SEEMED RIGHT IN THEIR OWN EYES.” Judges 21:25 NLT

Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

About Midnight: Expect the Supernatural

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, History, Integrity, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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I sometimes think how negative my posts are. You probably agree, writing constantly about addictions and/or related social problems and loss can drag one down emotionally. The intention is to bring readers to an awareness of the problem we see in society, and be active either by prayer or getting involved with some area of recovery. I realize it is hard for the individual when we work forty hours, have children to attend to, or perhaps involved in other areas of ministry or service. There is no need to feel guilty for your lack of involvement if you know you cannot. Do what you can where you are planted, and trust God will fill areas. Jesus told us to pray for God to send laborers into the harvest.

I too, become downcast at times. God knows, and always knows how to give me that pick-me-up needed. This morning, after having a major personal disappointment over the weekend, (by the way, this was my own presumption that led to this heartbreak), God did it again, rocking my pity-party with spiritual revelation from the Word. The story from Acts 16, where Paul and Silas were spreading the gospel, and a young girl with a familiar spirit kept following them, and apparently telling all these men were from God, in a mocking manner. Paul had enough, told the demon to leave the girl, and it departed. The men that sponsored her fortune telling lost their share of income. They took the two preachers to the courts, where they were beaten and chained and thrown into prison.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundation. All of the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16: 25-26 NLT

Here is the good news
We may be in the darkness of midnight in our society. Many are chained to addictions,  wrapped up in deep hurts from their pasts, tied up in bad relationships, bound by fears, and it seems things couldn’t be darker. And our lives are imprisoned in denial and codependency. But if you and I begin to pray, and sing praises to God every day, as we rise in the morning, throughout the day, before we lie down to sleep…the chains are going to fall off, and the prison we have built will be shaken to its foundation, and the doorss will swing open to freedom. Supernatural things are going to happen, as we focus on the One who set the captives free!

The miraculous
I have seen impossible situations myself and others have been in since I entered into recovery, suddenly reversed, as prayer was offered to God, expectantly, and taking Him for what He said He would do if we asked. I remember being so blue and downcast from things going on and looking at the mountain of problems instead of the problem solver, the One who makes mountains a flat plain with a word. When I turned and focused on Him, and gave Him praise for His ablility, and strength given to me in my weaknesses, thanking Him in gratitude for His goodness and mercy, love, and kindness…my blue feelings left immediately, and joy returned. Prayer, thanksgiving, and praise to God, to Abba, Adonai, Elohim…El Shaddai, the Triune, self-existent Almighty Father Who is more than enough, the One that a single name cannot describe, roars into my situation, and the enemies seige is broken and scattered! He does not like His kids bullied by the evil one, and like you would defend your children, He defends us but with the power that know no boundary.

Look for supernatural results in times of trouble, in hopeless situations, where all seems lost. Like Paul and Silas, He hears your petitions, He listens for your praise and thanksgiving, and He reacts for you! Thanks for reading, God bless and keep and defend, and free you and yours!

The Danger of Forgetting

31 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, History, Integrity, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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Remember 9/11/2001?

People changed overnight in 2001. When we saw the many lives snuffed out on live TV, our blood boiled with anger and the majority wanted vengeance. For the months that followed, people had flags on their antennas, in their front yards, and hanging from their balconies. We were nearly one as a nation, ready to fight. Twelve years later, though the day has not been forgotten, the pain for most Americans has subsided and the actual feelings lost.

Coming into recovery, the addict, alcoholic, gambler, sex addict, etc., are normally weighed down with deep pain from self-abuse and guilt of how badly they treated loved ones that recovery seems only a dream, not possible. As days and weeks turn into years and life improves dramatically, they tend to forget their desperation and hopelessness. Complacency is lurking with their addiction in it’s back pocket, ready to pounce. Relapse is on long before the first wager, or drink, or drug is used.

This being Resurrection weekend, we pause to remember something that changed history, and present, as well as it ultimately changes the future of us all. This memory is vivid to God, the moment in time that He gave His final and only necessary offer to His crowned jewel of creation, mankind. He offered His only begotten to be brutally sacrificed, atoning for man’s rebellion and separation from Himself. When He sees you, the follower of Christ, bowing in prayer, in worship at home or church, when you are good, and bad, He remembers that moment in time as though it happened right now. The reason…when He looks at us, He sees Christ’s blood applied!

He also forgets. Because of that precious blood, He forgets every transgression, past, present, and future you and I have committed. That is not a license to steal, it is a reason to repent. His goodness leads to repentance, not fear of hell, nor of His retribution.

We forget those terrible things invading our lives; at least most things. We should keep the events of 9/11/2001 fresh in our minds. Not just the attack, but the reason for unity as a nation. For the recovering from any addiction; the pain it brought into your life and home should be vivid, and intense. Not only to help you stay free, but also to be willing to help those new to recovery.

For the follower of Christ, every time you kneel in supplication, in fact, every morning you awaken from sleep, what Christ did for you should be remembered in gratitude. He never forgets, neither should you and I.

Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

 

Rigorous Honesty, I Lied

25 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, Integrity, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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I told a lie two years ago. No unintentional, accidental, white-lie. It was a bare-faced lie. The actual story is inconsequential, but the reason for the lie is worse. I see from the ripple effect that lying is a terrible evil. One lie could lead to a second to cover the first, a third to cover the second, and so on.

An individual asked me to take care of something that they could not do. I said, “sure, I’ll handle it.” I fully intended to take care of the situation, but not as a priority, so I forgot. Then I remembered, but couldn’t take care of it that moment, so I forgot again. Two months later when asked if I took care of the situation, I said…gulp, yes, and, “Thar she blows!” It was a fictional story more epic than “Moby Dick.” I then scrambled to do the task…days later. Was I sorry? At the moment, yes. Give it a little time, and as “they” say, time heals all wounds. This was a gaping hole in my personal integrity, unjustifiable.

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Col.3:9 NKJV

“Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.” The Big Book of AA (step 10)

The friend knew I was lying, but didn’t call me on it, at that moment. All I really had to say was, “no I did not, I will do it immediately.” They may not have appreciated that statement, but no lie would have been told. The task was not majorly hard, but tedious, and I put it off. The sick thing is to me is that the lie came from my procrastinating, not considering the other who asked feelings, the lie was next, then reproach on Christ, guilt followed, then reproach on my integrity. Quite a progression, rather, descent, don’t you agree? The putting off, was the first is a series of “sins”, or revelations of character defects the “old me” performed without remorse.

Procrastination is self-will run riot. It is self-centeredness at its best. I don’t want to so I won’t. And for recovering addicts and alcoholics, lying is a way of life we keep in our “denial” portfolio. We lie for no apparent reason. Lying always has a ripple effect, sending out waves of related sins in its wake. One of the issues that you have to deal with when working with new comers in recovery, is honesty. If that is grasped, recovery comes to them much smoother. The pain I experienced from the lie I told hurt terribly. Me, the go to guy, a liar.

Did I repent? You bet, and that episode is one I never want to repeat. I know I am human, I can fall so I try not to think highly of myself. My damaged integrity is good today, though scarred. I want to continue my recovery from self-serving, self-seeking, and try to live an exemplar life as I follow Christ and lead others. I also desire that my children, and theirs, be people of their word, so I must determine to lead by example.

Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

Be Careful Little Mouth

16 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, Politics, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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“Please Lord, make my words today sweet and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them,” -anon
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling

The children playground saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” was originated by a person who obviously had skin made of steel. The saying is actually attributed by some from slaves that were talked down to, and called every unholy name by their overseers. The reality is that words effect go far beyond the ear and into the brain. Words go into the very depth of a person’s soul, and there, take residence, Words break up homes, friendships, split churches and civic groups, and words can shut down corporations. With all of the high tech being used as media outlets, words can end a political career by someone’s cell phone footage used on the evening news.

Words can have the opposite effect as well. Encouragement expressed to another, down on themselves and needing confidence, can turn their life’s situation completely around, and turn the misfortunate one onto the pathway of a positive existence. Words from a coach to his team at halftime may motivate players to overcome a mistake ridden first half, into a flawless performance in the second. The right word from an AA, NA, CR sponsor, can cause the one struggling minute to minute to make it one day to the next. A pastor delivers his sermon, maybe the one word he says from scripture lands in the heart of someone that becomes the next Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Augustine, or Francis of Assisi.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Ps.19:14
“A man has joy by the answer from his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Prov.15:23

How do you talk? Are your words a healing balm to someone that has been badly beaten by life? If not, you have the power to change that. You have the ability to inspire, motivate, and cause those around you to create an environment of achievement. People love being around charismatic, smiling people that encourage them. They feel just the opposite of the negative ones that are only interesting if they are spreading dirt on others.

If your memory serves you well, think back through your recent conversations with others. What did they say? How did you respond? If you are completely honest, and can see that you may not be the person you hold so highly above reproach, you can change your way of speaking from negative to positive. Ask God to help you, and make you aware of what you plan to say, whether it edifies or tears down. Be a life-changer with the way you speak.

Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

A New Identity, Discover You

07 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, History, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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Coming to, after years of living the party life opens new realities of the person I was, I became, and now am. It’s hard to look at. Seeing the early years of innocence turn into a long period of self-centeredness may be difficult. What I could have been, should have done, can dominate our thinking to the point we live full of remorse. In recovery from alcoholism and drug use, my eyes have been opened to the fact that no action I  performed, good or bad, is wasted if I am bent on using both for serving others. God uses every detail of our lives to His glory through us. This glory He receives graces our lives, for everything we give to Him, He returns to us in untold, innumerable ways.
As a child we see things through rose colored glasses. Mommy and Daddy are the best people in the world. Our view of God is obscure and normally directed by parents, or grandparents views. This may be a shock to you but that strongly affects our future. Parents teaching their children views about God as a storybook, sitting in heaven too busy to answer our small problems, is a major problem. Or the parents may pass their religion that they are faithful to, on to the child. That belief has God waiting to pounce on them the moment they do something sinful, and they will. “You have to walk the walk if you talk the talk,” is how they present God to their children, as though the individual has all to do with their salvation.
The problem here, is that after multiple failures, and asking for forgiveness, and salvation over and over, the young person gives up and considers themselves hell bound. The years of self-service begins. The individual figures, “what’s the use, I can’t live it.” They’re off to the races, living for themselves, along with the multitudes of those who didn’t think God had time for them. Sadly, addiction to drugs, and alcoholism, along with many other character flaws, lie in their path…no one told them the truth. The child becomes a parent, the views of God and religion continue. There are thousands upon thousands of children here in the USA that have never darkened the doors of a church.
What’s the right view?
“He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ becomes a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2Cor.5:15-17 NLT
This may shock you. It is nearly a blessing for some that they get into problems from committing crimes, incarcerated, or sentenced to recovery meetings. That may be their opportunity to hear the gospel, and see that God cares, that He is concerned about every detail in their life. in their desperation they hear the good news about Jesus and His great love for them, and many choose Him. The beauty of this decision is that it brings a new view of self, cleansed from the rags of the past. Having this new understanding of God, that He is love, and that there is someone to answer to when they sin that readily forgives them, without a new babtism, or return to church and performing rituals for forgiveness. Self-discovery  follows and becomes the central focus of their recovery as they for the first time see purpose. God used the broken vessel, lovingly putting it back together again.
Don’t fail to give your child the real Jesus based on the Word. If you don’t know Him, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He will, and you will have eternity with God to pass on to your children. Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.

Weekend Harbinger

23 Saturday Feb 2013

Posted by in faith and Christianity, Raising Children, recovery from addictions, Relationships, the Word of God, Think in Today

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The work week is finished, time to party!
The memories I have of those Friday afternoons, or any day that preceded a day off, are vivid to my mind. I know that as much as I looked forward to partying all weekend or day off from work, my enthusiasm eventually turned to a forboding, knowing what the next day off would bring. The fun eventually ceased, misery encased me. All I had was a few bucks and a bottle of liquor…or two, then hours wishing I had listened to those warnings from inside my heart. By the time the stupor sat in, stupidity followed, my thoughts turned to the many failures, melancholy thoughts about “if only,” and to bitter disdain of the successful and achievers. “Why did they succeed?” How did I sink into this low estate?
“Who has woe? Who has sorrows? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.” Prov.23:30-31
Seeing those good old beer commercials, that ice cold mug and the golden hue are designed to entice the watcher to drop whatever he is doing and head to the refrigerator or corner market, and start throwing down a few refreshing suds. It works. The warning in Proverbs about the sparkling wine, (or beer, whiskey, etc.), is not at the end of the commercial. The warning from the beer maker is “drink responsibly.” Well that really works…for them. When the law suits from the deaths this weekend from all who will lose their loved ones from alcohols effects on themselves or some drunk driver reaches court, the potion provider will say, “We had the warning on every ad, every case of beer. ” They do, and they are truly not responsible. No one forces you or me to drink. Drink responsibly…geez! Tell that to the millions of alcoholics in this country, and they think that means don’t drink and drive without your seatbelt on.
“In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt. They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can have another drink.” Prov.23:32-35
This 3000+ year old harbinger, is giving the alcoholic ample warning of this weekend’s actions they will experience. Would I have listened when I was boozin’ and loosin’? No. But the warning is there nonetheless. Few would say “thanks for the warning,” and do an about face. Most wouldn’t. I can say this is your forecast for your weekend. You have a little change in your pocket, never mind debts or obligations, “let’s drink!” Monday rolls around; and if you were one of the fortunate ones that did not wind up in jail with huge fines and lawyer fees. You didn’t lose your life on the highway, or take someone else’s life, or even have a nice “shiner” as a reminder of the fun. You did at least get to go into work remorseful from how you feel and what you failed to do. “Oh I forgot, this was my weekend with the kids!” There, you did it again. “Oh well, they don’t love me anyhow.”
Before you start your weekend, take a look at your life’s direction. Don’t think for a moment there is plenty of time, that you are young. I use to think that way, and missed God’s best for my life, and hurt those closest to me from my self-seeking way of living. Those little children are in this world because of you and will follow your example lifelong. Choose to look for help. Ask God to help you now. Your sincerity is real if you read this far, go a little further. Asking for God’s help, finding a group to support your decision to live sober, and choosing right, will take you places you never dreamed of going in life. That is my being a harbinger of what will be to the one choosing to do the “next right thing.”
Thanks for reading, God bless and keep you all.
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