We visited family over the holidays and I came away, once again, with fear and awe at the power of addiction. One family member spent 3 months in jail in the fall for his second DWI. While in jail he was clean and became involved in leading bible classes. He is on probation and has a suspended license. However he continues to drive. He is drinking again and takes "the back roads" to avoid arrest. If he is convicted of another DWI he will spend 2-5 years in prison. He will lose his business.
Another family member was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in the fall, probably contracted from her continued drug use and/or her sexual activity. She has been in treatment for her drug abuse several times.She sabotages medical appointments with excuses for not attending and has not entered treatment for her Hep C. Treatment would involve being completely drug free. Hep C can be a fatal disease if not treated. She is a single mother with a 12 year old son. She attends church services irregularly.
For me these tragedies are a reminder once again that this relationship with God is fundamental for ongoing recovery. However this relationship needs continual attention. We cannot move away from it and return to the old people, places and things. For these relatives returning to their old people, places and things without a strong emphasis on their daily relationship with God allowed the power of the addiction to reenter and consume their lives. Without our constant daily, sometimes moment by moment, awareness and attention to God's grace and mercy in our lives, the addiction will regain its foothold. Our losses will be unimaginable.
What will you do today to remind yourself of God's grace and mercy in your life? How will you ask him to strengthen your commitment to a new life?
Blessings-Penny
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