Sometimes, when we’re alone with our thoughts, we really start to understand our experiences. As I write down this story, I think about all the different feelings and relationships in our lives. This story is about more than just a trip we took to the south with our family. It’s also about the emotional journey we go on, especially when we’re trying to help family members who are dealing with tough problems like addiction. It shows us how these tough times can make our belief, understanding, and kindness even stronger.
Our trip to the south was coming to an end, and it was time to head back to the airport. But we had a problem: we couldn’t find Mark. He’s part of our family and we love him, even though he struggles with drugs. We always had to be careful with our things around him. Someone said he might be at the bootlegger’s place, a spot where people often went to escape and relax.
This reminded me of something that happened ten years ago. I was part of a group at church that helped people in different ways – visiting folks in nursing homes, in prison, or just talking to people on the streets. One day, we were near a house where people used drugs, and I met a man who was high. I tried to talk to him about faith, but he asked me a question I couldn’t answer. That made me realize I needed to learn more and be better prepared.
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After that, I decided to be braver and know more about my faith. This decision came back to me as I stood outside Ms. J’s house, hearing the sound of laughter and a card game. I knocked, and when she answered, the noise stopped. I introduced myself and asked to see Mark. She showed me to a room where he was lying on a bed.
I gently woke him up. He was surprised to see me, and I told him I wanted to see him before I left. I said I loved him and that he was never too far gone for God’s love. He laughed a bit and told me he loved me too, but that I shouldn’t be there. I told him he shouldn’t be there either, and asked him to remember what we talked about. He said he would. I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and he thanked me before going back to sleep.
Before we move on to the closing prayer, let’s reflect on a few thoughtful questions:
- How can we better understand and support those in our lives who are struggling with addiction?
- What are the ways we can show unconditional love, even in challenging situations?
- How can we maintain hope and faith in the face of difficult circumstances?
As we draw this narrative to a close, let’s pause for a moment of prayer and contemplation. In the Bible, Luke 15:4 speaks to the heart of our capacity for compassion and perseverance. It asks us to consider the depth of our dedication to those who may have strayed from their path. As we reflect on this message, let us extend our thoughts to everyone who, like Mark, may be feeling lost or forgotten. Let’s commit to being a beacon of hope and a source of unwavering support. May we not only pray for their return to safety and love but also actively participate in their journey back. Let us hold them in our hearts and minds, offering our understanding, patience, and love as guiding lights. In doing so, we embrace the true spirit of compassion and empathy, helping to lead the way back to a place of peace, acceptance, and belonging. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Click here to read our previous blog post From Pain to Passion: a Journey of Faith and Healing
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