People do recover – they do make it. Regardless of the belief that “a leopard doesn’t change its spots” – well last time I checked, people are not leopards! And with the right programs, help and support in place, I’ve seen several individuals be able to turn their lives around and start down a new path. Addicts can and do become productive citizens, return to their families and bring joy to those around them.
The odds are against them. Society does not give them a chance or the same privileges as someone who’s had a heart attack because of their horrible eating habits and lack of exercise or being responsible for their own bodies, or the diabetic who continues to eat sugar and not exercise. These are “acceptable” issues and money can be spent from insurance to provide for their needs. However, an addict does not have a place to go with the same help available to detox or to recover. They do not have a large amount of money that is needed to get in a program, as the ones that help them and allow them to work to pay for them have long waiting list and funds are very difficult to come as these are often seen as “throw away people” as addicts are sadly often thought of as despicable people in our society, a bother and a nuisance.
Well, hmmmm – somewhere along the way they were a child just like the most successful individuals out there! Somehow, life went sideways and now they find themselves with little to no options.
Where is the compassion and funding for the facilities to make a difference for the addict and those with mental issues? We are so worried about the environment and emissions and going green and being woke and all the other things being focused on and money spent on – but the homeless, the addict, the vet who served our country, the single mothers, the children struggling from the effects of the drug epidemic, all seem to just be “someone else’s problem” or something that is not “worth” spending our time and money for as these do not get the politicians the votes they want. Unfortunately our society has developed an entitled and self-centered mindset that has replaced caring for our fellow man in the way we did in the past.
However, on the positive side, there are those individuals who manage to find a way back and do make it. Why don’t we celebrate these individuals and give them the chance that is given to other individuals to get back on their feet?
A little support and caring goes a long way in everyone’s life and maybe we could all just be a little more aware that others are suffering and struggling in silence and sometimes a simple smile, a genuine interest in how they are doing, taking the time to stop, say a prayer and offer a word of encouragement could make all the difference in the world to them! – one person, one day at a time.
I know how much it means to me when someone actually cares and takes time to show me, even in a simple way from a short message, a smile or word of encouragement. This became so real to me one night as I was headed to work and had some heavy burdens that I was struggling with. I stopped to get a drink to help me get through the night and a young man was standing in line behind me as I was struggling to find my money to pay for it. He simply told the lady behind the counter that he’d get mine with his. I have no idea his name but the fact he had compassion for me and just showed me that simple act of kindness through a $1.06 drink changed my entire night. I left in tears of thanking God for showing me He did see and care about me through the kindness of this young man. And his actions made me even more determined that though I cannot “change the world”, I can maybe bring hope and love to someone I come in contact with today, and make a difference in their world like he did in mine that night.
We may not have the resources to build rehab programs, but we do have the “power” to share a sincere caring and show God’s love to someone struggling that you will encounter today. Let us not be in such a hurry and caught up in our own little world that we do not “see” the individuals walking past you that may be dealing with heavy loads and feel that no one cares as they see no way out. We can share God’s love and give them hope and encouragement. We can say a pray for and even with them to let them know there is strength in the almighty God who does see and believe in them and knows with the right help they can make it to a place of peace and freedom from turmoil, strife, and pain.
It only takes a minute to make a difference, to say a pray, to share a smile and reach out a hand to share encouragement and caring. And do not EVER give up on yourself or that loved one who is so caught up in a turmoil and stronghold that seems they will never make it out of. People do recover. God is still in the healing business and can and will touch our lives, our bodies, our minds, souls, and spirits when we take the time to ask and then receive. What a difference it makes when we take time to lift someone else to God and ask for the strength and guidance they and we need to go forward and make it through this hour, this day.
May you feel God’s love and presence for yourself and give you the love to share with someone else today. As you give encouragement to others, it feeds our souls and lifts our spirits in a way nothing else can or will do. Never give up! God never gives up on us and as long as there is breath, there is hope and He is always waiting with His hand extended and His angels ready to help us when we pause long enough to ask and then receive His love.
Many Blessings
Thus far, while I believe in the Gospels, pray, and believe many prayers have been answered, I also realize I don’t know much and my Father in heaven knows far more than I’ll ever, so we trust in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.