The news took my breath away. With one quick phone call, our lives changed. A family member was in trouble, and it was the kind where no one could help. As I looked out the window and listened to my Dad on the other end of the phone with tears streaming down my face, I knew God had taken the situation out of our hands. All of our attempts to control and prevent a worst-case-scenario had come to this, and it was as if He was saying, “It’s in my hands now.” After hanging up the phone, I Continue Reading
How to Take a Fighting Stance Against Codependent, Self-Destructive Behavior
It was a hot, sultry day in July when the realization hit me. At first, I tried to deny it. The truth was painful. But I couldn’t escape its certainty. My family member was better off in my absence than he was in my presence. And as much as I wanted to fix the situation, I couldn’t. Consequences accumulated because of poor choices. Everyone close to the matter seemed to hold their breath, waiting, and then waiting some more. And despite a stark refusal to face reality, it lurked. Continue Reading
The Battle We Ignore: Loved Ones, Addiction, and Lost New Years Resolutions
I didn’t plan to write this post for you today. I had an outline for New Year’s possibilities and dreams, goal-setting and fresh starts. But the truth is, that isn’t what was on my heart. Traveling over five hundred miles to my South Carolina home for the holidays brought plenty of opportunity to reflect and look forward. But it also brought a reminder that for some, starting over because of a new date on the calendar isn’t so easy. For some, it’s not even a possibility. We serve a God Continue Reading
