06 December 2010

[talk: Addiction]

Almost every Sunday night, our little family heads to the Recovery Service at our home church.  I've posted on it before - how much this place has touched me, how much the people have impacted me.  

Last night, little Katia wandered around the room where the service is held.  She walked up to people and waved and said, "hi" while my hubby or I watched.  It was so so beautiful to watch people melt under her little spell.  One man, covered in tattoos, piercings and rough clothes looked at me and said, "I remember when I had tea parties with my little girl."

I am so overwhelmed with how I feel about those suffering from addiction, and the incredible beauty that comes from recovery and restoration.  So many times we write them off, think they're hopeless and manipulative.  And yes - there are those who made bad choices out of rebellion, as apposed to an escape from abuse and emptiness ... I don't debate why people choose a path like that.  Every story is different.  It is true that not everyone wants help.

But this man, I imagined him with coloured beads around his neck and sitting crossed legged with his little angel sipping tea.  And I wondered how long ago that was, and what an ache that must be if she was no longer in his life.  Regardless of how he got there, how his decisions led him to where he is ... the loss must be so great as he walks through the journey of the consequences of his actions.  My heart was sad - but hopeful.  

He is in a place where he is getting the help he needs - spiritually, emotionally and physically.  I pray that he will have another tea party one day ... 

I wanted to share this video with you ... it's from "So You Think You Can Dance" last year - and the first time I watched it I wept.  And the second and the third and fourth.  The concept is Kupono (the male lead) is "addiction" and the hold he has on Kayla (the female lead).  I think it is spell binding - and shows the battle in such a raw way.  

How beautiful it would be to have a part 2 where Kayla kicks his butt - restored, full of hope and promise - through the grace, love and friendship of God.




4 comments:

Why-Von said...

so great you guys go to those services and to hear your heart. you could have been talking to my brother last night - I know he went to the recovery service last week but not sure if he went this past week. it's great for your kids to see different people and to learn and i'm sure that seeing your little angel walking around and seeing your boys' smiles brighten's their week.

Tawn said...

... everything you said is so true. obviously, my kids don't just walk around alone - there are precautions needed when dealing with any "stranger". But our kids are learning about choices, and about our bodies and what we put in them. We want to protect them, and teach them, all at the same time. It's a safe place to do that. You should come out - the number of young families is growing b/c it's early enough ...

Jodi said...

One day while we were there early for mike to do evening service sound. Mike was pushing Jadon in the stroller and an man from the addiction service told mike that Jadon just made his night. and all Jadon did was just smile at the man.

What a simple kind thing we can do to help these people :)

Susan said...

That dance moved me so much too. Makes me cry every time. Addiction is powerful...yet our God is so much more powerful. Thanks for sharing.