Help!

After publishing my last blog concerning my sons struggle with alcoholism and inhalant drugs, I was approached by several people with a variety of questions. Most of the questions were very sensitive, loving and surprisingly empathetic. I found a large number of people in a similar situation! Much like my wife and I, they were reluctant to burden others with their issues and tried their best to hide their pain. We are blessed to have a wonderful support system found in our “small group” and Church family. Non-judgmental, passionate and comforting, our “family” was always there to listen and pray with us. The load lifted off our shoulders was immense. I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit ease our pain. On many occasions it felt so good just to breathe again!

Isn’t that how it is with life? So often we hide our pain or our embarrassment. At the same time, we have a loving, kind and understanding God just a prayer away. A compassionate God that will welcome you with open arms! You have a Church family and hopefully a “small group” to lean on. You are not alone!!

Scripture that helped guide us through those difficult times were:

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Exodus 33:14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer.

Blessings!!

Kent Patton, Operations Manager