courage

On Relevant Radio yesterday morning we talked about the heroin epidemic in the U.S. As we have thought about in this blog before, we talked about the insidiousness of it...that for so many people it starts with a prescription for narcotic pain medication which is legitimate. Unfortunately huge prescriptions are handed out much too casually by the medical profession. The person becomes addicted to the pain medication and then can't get the prescription refilled... and it is too expensive to purchase on the street. Heroin is much cheaper!

That is often the sad story of any addiction. No one starts out to be an addict. We all think we can handle it. And then the stigma of being an addict is so frightening that we cannot ask for help. The stigma of our children or our loved ones being an addict is overwhelming. We know something is wrong but we stay a prisoner to the addiction. 

That is true also for alcoholism. I have seen 4 women recently drinking alcoholically - clearly in deep trouble. I cringe for them. I cry for them. I pray for them. I remember the fear and desperation in the middle of the night of "What am I going to do about this??!!"

I pray they have the courage to reach out...to talk with someone...someone they trust...someone with whom they can be honest. 

Sunday's psalm said, ..."...He forgives all your sins and heals you from your diseases

                                        He redeems your life from the pit...

                 

                                        so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."

That is recovery! The freedom to be youthful once again. 

Do you believe His promise? He is there. Have the courage. Take the step. Reach out.

Blessings-Penny