World’s Worst Transgressor
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I am the world’s worst transgressor I have murdered millions I have made people failures I have made millions of homes miserable I have changed promising people into hopeless social parasites I have driven untold millions to despair I have wasted the weak I have snared the innocent I have caused starving children to know me I have made the hair turn gray on many parents I have ruined millions and shall seek to yet ruin multiplied millions My Name is Addiction |
World’s Greatest Benefactor
I have given life to millions I have made failures successful I have made millions of homes happy World’s Worst Transgressor Read More » Urgent? Why??I must admit, my favorite question is “why?” I ask it a lot: of God, of others, of myself, of life. And yes, I ask the why question concerning the tricky addiction/recovery issue. Author, Jonathan Lockwood Huie really takes that matter to task, using two words. “Urgent? Why?” And this is right up addiction’s alley. The fix driving the addiction- why?
Why will this solve things? Why will nothing else do? Why must I be instantly healed? It is that last question which brought two scripture passages to my mind: Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus. Patience: Are we there yet?Visualize this scenario. There’s a car ride going on, containing one or two parents/adults and at least one child in the backseat. The child’s view consists of the following: the back of the driver’s and passenger side seat, perhaps, some toys, games or word puzzle books, strewn throughout. Maybe, depending upon the vehicle, there’s even a Disney film being played on a television screen, just above Mommy or Daddy’s head. We should be hearing the voice of an animated character or the chirp of an irritating child’s song. But, instead, what do we hear? Does this sound familiar? If you have children or remember being one yourself, you’re probably familiar with this nagging, repetitive question: Are we there yet? We want to get there already, wherever “there” is.
It’s the Promised Land, filled with conscientious manners, harmonious relationships, well-behaved children, realized dreams and no bad hair days. Patience: Are we there yet? Read More » Another’s Critique is Not the Final SayI recently caught a viral video of a turtle repeatedly head butting a cat. The feline, annoyed, swishing its tail, eventually got up and moved. And the turtle was on its way. Is it a lesson in adversity? In persistence? In forging ahead, despite negative feedback? They say we’re supposed to embrace the criticism and the ugly truth. Well saying that, doing that and feeling great about it don’t necessarily happen all at the same time. But criticism and unpleasant comments still occur, often while we’re in the middle of something as challenging as recovery from a compulsion, addiction or disorder. Another’s Critique is Not the Final Say Read More » The Importance of “STOP!”That’s odd for me. I want to focus on moving forward, dreaming big dreams, taking risks. And lately, for some reason I don’t understand, I seem to hear STOP. STOP is nearly always useful advice when I’m uncertain. Are you lost? STOP. Don’t keep wandering, compounding the problem. Get your bearings. Ask for help. (Hint: Works for more than driving.) The Importance of “STOP!” Read More » Why is this happening to me?A friend of mine who is experiencing some painful family issues has repeatedly asked herself the “why” questions. Why is this happening to me? Why is my loved one acting in such an ugly manner? She has been blindsided by a situation and a relationship she never dreamed was possible, rife with betrayal, deception and slander. This was once a close, bonded relationship, one filled with unconditional love and trust. So, the events over the last few years were a definite shock. Why is this happening to me? Read More » Who or What is Your Miracle Worker?
I recently caught the 1960 Academy Award winning film, “The Miracle Worker.” It portrays the relationship of Helen Keller and that of her groundbreaking teacher, Annie Sullivan. The situation looked bleak. That was until Sullivan’s arrival… Who or What is Your Miracle Worker? Read More » Do You Fear Positive Thinking?
Do you ever fear positive thinking? I do. Of all the fears that might haunt us, why in the world would we fear a positive attitude? Immediately following my accident, I wanted desperately to believe in the possibility of recovery. I knew that a good attitude would help me tackle the hard work ahead. But somehow I couldn’t find the courage to maintain a consistent positive approach. Do You Fear Positive Thinking? Read More » Success Is… Grace
As someone recovering from disordered image, food and weight issues, I’ve long wrestled with the perfection issue. There was a mandate, both self-imposed and emanating from others, to be perfect in behavior, achievement and appearance. As a child, I was overweight, inheriting my mother’s own negative body image perceptions. Later, throughout adolescence, I was bullied, teased and rejected. And then, adding insult to injury, I felt I could never win when it came to my dad and his expectations. When I am IgnoredIt is so hard to share with someone seemingly endlessly with no fruit seeming to bear. I have been through this with various people — some regarding faith and others regarding recovery. They do not want to hear about God, the Bible or church. Or they are not interested in getting sober, getting out of that codependent/abusive relationship i It is not a matter of my not saying the right thing. The issue may be that it is not the right time. I am sowing seeds on dry hard ground. (see: Mark 4:3-9 and Mark 4:10-20) |
or changing their life in any way. I believe it is a problem with their eyes not seeing and their ears not hearing.