Don’t Build an Island

July 14, 2022

This is my first blog and I am wondering what can I say that anyone might want to read. I’m not sure but here we go.  I am truly excited about this new adventure God is giving me to share His hope and love with others.  Just this week I have heard from the parents of two different young men who struggle with addiction.  Alcohol seems to be the stumbling block for each of them.  In both cases, the parents are concerned about the dark place their sons are in and what might happen in a moment of weakness.  It is heartbreaking hearing the pain, fear and frustration from these parents.  My prayer for both families is twofold.  First, that their child will want the help their parents are diligently searching for them.  Second, that the parents will seek some type of help and support for themselves.  If you are a parent or loved one of someone in addiction you must take care of yourself so you can effectively help the one in active addiction.  

There are resources out there to help and support people who are hurting due to a loved one’s addiction.  When searching for help, for the one in addiction also search for support for yourself.  Satan wants us isolated so we do not hear the voices of encouragement and help.  He tries to make us believe that no one else will understand.  Then the anxiety about what will “they” think kicks in.  This is not just a problem for people with addiction in their family, it is a real problem for pastors too.  I call it building an island and burning the bridge. God did not create us to go through life and life’s struggles alone.  Genesis 2:18 and God said “it is not good (beneficial) for man to be alone.”  

Have you built an island and burned the bridge?  You alone can begin rebuilding the bridge to your island.  Stop believing the lies Satan has told and even the lies you have told yourself.  There are people who understand that will walk with you.   There are people who love you that will walk with you who have no idea what you’re going through.  Some of the best island builders sit in church every week suffering with pain and sorrow surrounded by people who love them.  However, the person on the island has burned the bridge and will not let anyone else on their island.  Part of the Unforsaken Ministry is to walk with the loved ones of those in addiction.  To help find the resources to get you out of isolation.  Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to a friend.  Both are waiting for you to make the first move.

a product of God’s grace,

Glenn