So, you’ve just spent years going through the addiction grinder. Maybe first with a friend, and more recently with a family member.
You’ve watched and prayed as your mom had surgery for heart disease, you hoped and prayed as your brother’s attitude turned mean and his marriage failed. And you cried as you prayed for your son or daughter, who were out doing– well, who knows what, with who knows whom.
And you’ve spent more than a few hours learning that you can make a difference– indeed, that you are the difference.
Yes, you have begun to understand that the illnesses and diseases, the unkind attitudes, and the risky or destructive behaviors are likely mere symptoms of an underlying (and ultimately deadly) addictive condition, and what’s more, you’re starting to see it everywhere.
Yes, everywhere.
The teachers at your child’s school and the neighbor across the street, your boss and your elected leaders, the strangers at the mall and the loved ones around the dinner table.
You now have taken notice of the heart disease and cancer, the high blood pressure and diabetes, the constant colds and coughing and doctor visits of people you know and love.
Yes, you’ve witnessed the stress and pressure of seemingly minor issues, and the financial, emotional, and behavioral changes.
And you want it to stop.
You’re wondering what to do.
How do you let them know there’s a solution?
How do you broach the subject?
How do you share your experience, strength, and hope?
The answer lies in your story.
Your own personal testimony, a sort of before-and-after, is the key that can unlock conversations and start another family on the road to healing and recovery.
You see, our stories make us relatable to others– approachable– and provide common ground on which to begin laying a foundation for recovery.
After all, many of the ailments and challenges that we face in addiction are fairly common experiences to hundreds of thousands of other individuals and families, as well.
If we are listening, if we are aware, the conversations and the people crying out for help are all around. The question is whether or not we are willing to share of ourselves.
So what exactly does that look like? We’ll examine it a little closer next time. Until then, I look forward to speaking with you.
{ 0 comments… add one now }