FROM A DISTANCE
Guilt and pain are two very real emotions that
follow not only addicts but their families and friends and well.
Today, more than ever it is important to recognize that this is not a
moral failing. It is a disease that is extremely hard to treat.
The cause of the disease can be heredity and/or exposure.
Today's pain medications are highly addictive and whether or not
you have taken them for treatment and became dependent, used alcohol, or
other chemicals to self medicate underlying mental illness, depression, and anxiety,
or simply one thing led to another because genetically you were predisposed to the disease;
It is a disease and unfortunately
relapse can be and is often a part of the disease.
We all must work hard to replace the guilt and pain
with forgiveness and healing.
We would not be angry with someone who was diagnosed
with cancer if they had sat in the sun unprotected since they were a child.
I saw this scene as I was driving to work this morning.
I took the photo and waited for the inspiration to follow.
That inspiration came in the form of an email from a woman who was
doing her best to move along her journey toward peace.
What I see is a path toward the other side of the lake.
There does not appear to be an easy way to get there but
it does look hopeful and inviting. The sky is blue and it is a clear day
for traveling. Take the first step, and then the next, and the next.
You may have to stop along the way to regroup or you may have to
take a couple steps back if you find you have moved in the wrong direction.
No journey is ever complete and utter smooth sailing.
Forgive yourself for your stumbles and get right back on the path.
Eventually you will get to the other side, how long it takes really does not
matter in the end. All that matters is that you made it, stumbles and all.
Be proud every day that you have not given up.
Please let go of the guilt and pain that stops you from continuing on your journey.
Today, it is my prayer that some day those who have resentments
and hold feelings of anger toward you will find a way to forgive the
choices that were made in the throes of this devastating disease.
For the one suffering with the disease
Most merciful God of the universe,
I am grateful for another day to journey toward the peace
that you desire for all your people.
Guide me with your love and support
in my travels and help me to forgive myself for stumbling,
the way that you, by your grace forgive me unconditionally
all the days of my life.
In the name of all that is good and loving that you have created.
~AMEN~
For those that love, those that suffer from the disease
Most merciful God of the universe,
I am grateful for another day that my loved one was able to journey toward the peace
that you desire for all your people.
Guide me, and them with your love and support
in our travels on this difficult path. Help me to forgive them for stumbling and myself for not being as forgiving as I could be in the way that you, by your grace forgive me and them unconditionally
all the days of our lives.
In the name of all that is good and loving that you have created.
~AMEN~