One of my good friends has a son who has struggled with alcohol addiction most of his adult life. I imagine almost all of us have friends or family that are struggling with addiction now or have struggled with it in the past. It is a horrible life-robbing disease. And it robs not only the addict's life, but it robs the lives of those closest to him or her. In my friend's case, his struggle between strength and grace is palpable. He wants to love his son - and he does love his son. But what is the best way to show love? Strength, acceptance, grace, withdrawal? Showing grace can lead to enablement. Showing strength can lead to broken relationships. There is no easy answer, but God sent his son to the earth to help us - to set an example for how to be. We can study and meditate on Him, and He will help us.
My words and thoughts seem hollow as I write them. I came across this TedTalk delivered by a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I praise God that He put a person in her life to help her, and I praise God that He gave her the strength to help others. I love that she closes her talk with a message of hope for each one of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment