So, I was thinking the other day ...
about my brother and his sobriety. He is really doing amazing. We had a family dinner, my Uncle was in town, and it was the 1st dinner I can EVER recall that there was NO alcohol. My Uncle is a recovering alcoholic too and has really been pivotal in Loren's recovery. We all still laughed and had a great time and there was no one drinking! It was really something. I had to sit back for a moment and really take a mental picture of my family, all we have been through and where we are now. God is in the business of making miracles and my family is the evidence.
My brother in his daily recovery and sobriety has to surrender the desire to use heroin and crack cocaine. Daily. He has to give up the need to buy something to drink. He knows what it would lead to, he knows that it would kill him, he was already at death's door, and Loren is choosing life ... everyday, he surrenders it all. I am so proud of him. God has His grasp firmly around my brother's heart and I am so thankful.
I looked up the definition of "addiction" ... and here it is:
Addiction was a term used to describe a devotion, attachment, dedication, inclination, etc. Nowadays, however, the term addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in "some specific activity", despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life.
What really struck me about that definition is the "some specific activity" ... thinking of my brother I could put in drug and alcohol use ... and thinking of myself I could put in overeating. It is a compulsion, it does have harmful consequences to my health, mental state and social life.
That is a HUGE realization for me. I too, like my brother need to focus on recovery, choose life, and daily surrender this struggle.
Thank you Lord for my brother, for his recovery and what it is teaching me about my own journey to health and healing. You promise to use all things for good Lord, for those who love you ... I do love you and I know that it is only You that can use my own struggles for good. Amen.
2 comments:
I have not read your blog in a couple of days and was in desperate need of some "Jess" humor so I logged on during lunch and read…and read and read It’s so amazing hearing about your life, trials, and how much your faith grows with every step. I’m excited for you as your friend and someone who loves you it is absolutely thrilling to see your growth. Even though, I have not been able to be a part of the last couple of years of your life (due to distance-lost touch etc…) God has recently revitalized our friendship through only a way that He can and I am grateful to have the opportunity now. It’s funny how life works, it’s as though our friendship hasn’t skipped a beat. It seems so long ago that we were roomies at camp, encouraging one another, sharing stories, and hot pockets (yeah, you know what I’m talking about)!! Now we are all grown up (yeah, right!) or so we try to be...I am so proud of you, your strength, and your willingness to be teachable!
So here is my brainyack quote today for you
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival.”- C. S. Lewis
Thank you Lord for Jess, her family, and her friendship…may You continue to bless them, guide them, protect them, and give them comfort.
Love you man! KP
I am so glad to hear that Loren is doing so well. I hope that he truly feels the support that your awesome family has given him. Today I was so inspired by your comment about how we should not focus on all the dirty dishes but the blessing of food on the table... thanks for that Jabbin' Jess :)
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