The Ripple Affect

The stone is cast…

Amazingly and wonderously made. From the moment of conception, our lives are predestined. Uniquely formed by the hand of our creator, each of us serves a God-given purpose. We have been cast upon the waters and a gift is bestowed.

A ripple affect begins…

Some start their journey by quickly rising to the top and holding fast to the life preserver of love. Others drift slowly upwards, gasping for breath and clinging to a passing branch upon the surface. Yet still there are those who reach out but cannot break the threshold of the waters edge. A ripple ensues.

It affects us all…

Regardless of how our personal journey begins, we ultimately touch the lives of those around us. From the child who is called to follow the voice of God to the abandoned infant placed in foster care to the stillborn baby, we are here for one thing…to reach the world, one ripple at a time and give God the glory for all things.

 

 

Within

Within her eyes your spirit soars–I see you dance and smile.

I take her hand and feel your soul–please stay with me awhile.

Within her heart your passion flows–I dream of yesterday.

I hold her close and hear you breathe–the past has slipped away.

Within your heart her spirit lives–she waits for your return.

Come take her hand she needs you so–before you crash and burn.

Within your world you have the keys–to what the future holds.

Take that step toward getting well–and see how life unfolds.

 

 

 

 

Reflections

Looking back, a year gone by…how did it slip away?

Grace remained, a foothold strong…and guided each new day.

Step by step, a path was forged…God’s beacon lit the way.

Ups and downs, a way of life…for wisdom now we pray.

A Voice for the Innocent

The child within is forming still, her voice cannot be heard;

An addiction screams from deep within, your focus now is blurred.

This precious life has done no wrong, his innocence remains;

A victim of the circumstance, that pulses in your veins.

The choices made are yours alone, the blame I cannot take;

Such bitterness and spite you hold, now ripple in the wake.

Behind those bars your child is safe, from substances unknown;

I rest in peace and not in shame, for mercies God has shown.

A day will come I hope and pray, forgiveness you will give;

As for today I praise the Lord, two lives were meant to live.

Standing Strong Amidst the Storm

Looking back, I struggle to remember that one calm moment said to precede an ensuing storm. I can’t recall the exact date it hit and would be lying if I said there were no warning signs along the way. It’s crazy to think that one day you are sitting poolside with your kids, laughing beneath the warmth of the summer sun; and the next day your child is swept away by a gust of wind so strong that it leaves you not only stunned but virtually helpless and ultimately confused.

The torrential rains moved in quickly and my child was instantly caught up in the flood of drug abuse, addition, crime and a life of deceit. The direction this storm took literally destroyed everything in its path. Trust was broken into tiny fragments and strewn for miles. Relationships were severed by the onslaught of hurtful debris and hearts were crushed beyond recognition. Our surroundings were no longer familiar.

Over time, the eye of the storm steadily weakened but the damage had already been done. In a daze, we slowly pulled ourselves out from beneath the rubble and began the painful process of rebuilding.

A Step at a Time

As I read your written word, I will listen to the voice beneath it. As I listen to your voice, I will see the world through your eyes. As I look through those eyes, I will feel the soul that experienced it. As I touch your soul, I will love a beautiful you.

9/1/12, you wrote:

Pondering my past behaviors, I’ve done myself no great favors.

The past six years I’ve lived to die, shielded from reality and didn’t know why.

Recognizing the failure to control my using, family relationships I began losing.

I realized then that somethings gotta give, becoming abstinent increases my purpose to live.

Now I’m proud to be three months clean, In my mind a bright new future can now be seen.

I’m so grateful for such great family and friends, working my steps I will soon make amends.

I daily read the Big Book thanks to Dr. Bob and Bill, I see the hope in my recovery and follow in God’s will.

Life is but a journey which we can choose to embrace or deny. In life’s gallery, I will look for the good in all things and cherish every brushstroke made by the Master artist’s hand. Beauty is everywhere, in everything and in everyone around us…dare to seek it, the canvas is ready for viewing.

The Story of Love

The prodigal child:

In church this morning I listened closely as God took me back many years ago to when my life was extremely dark and disparate. His words were clear and direct, as I listened to the familiar story of the prodigal son. I was reminded that I, too, was once lost in a world of rebellion and temptation and did not hesitate to turn my back on a loving family and a Father who gave up everything because of His love for me. I chose the corrupted course that led me through a sea of alcohol abuse, over a mountain of sinful acts and through a valley deceit and thievery.

The prodigal child returns:

When I finally got to the end of myself, on bended knee, I came back to the only place of comfort I knew – the loving arms of my Father. It is with gratefulness and praise that I thank my Shepherd for seeking out the lost sheep and returning them to His flock. It’s great to be home!

The parent of a prodigal child:

I am now in a different season of my life after being blessed with a loving husband and raising two beautiful daughters. I say different, but not unfamiliar…the view has changed but the story remains. I am now the parent of a prodigal child. She has chosen a similar path as I did and has drifted into a dangerous and tumultuous world. It is on bended knee once more that I come to my Father and ask not for me this time but for my daughter to be returned to the flock. I now see what You saw, I feel what You felt, I stand watch as You did, I love as You loved. Together let’s wait for her return and prepare for the celebration ahead.

2016 (After a year at Teen Challenge in Brooklyn, NY)…

Ah, and what a celebration it has been and continues to be. By God’s Grace and mercy, and only by His unending love and compassion, our daughter has returned.

A Clouded Vision

My hand I gave, it was refused–a tender heart, a soul confused

I let you go, no more to say–I prayed that you, would find your way

The path you chose, was dark and sad–so different from, the life you had

Deceptive thoughts, now marred by pain–you chose the lies, for selfish gain

Your veins were pierced, the poison flowed–a downward spin, a jagged road

The evil one, enticed your head–with clouded thoughts, and unknown dread

His icy hands, upon your skin–just one more hit, and he would win

I trusted God, throughout each day–His love for you, would light the way

Now take His hand, and hold it tight–He’ll help you through, to win this fight

You’re not alone, nor will ever be–the grace He gave, now sets you free

Lean on Him, when times get tough–and not on man, it’s not enough

For we are weak, and He is strong–it’s in His arms, where we belong

Newfound Wisdom

Dad handed me the carefully folded, familiar lined paper to which I have come to anticipate and treasure. Snatching it from his hand, I quietly settle into my favorite chair and begin envisioning the world of the writer behind those beautifully penciled words that now rest on the page before me. It reads:

“Daily bombarded by my darkest obsession, without it I spiral into deadly depression. Temptations surround me to attack when I’m weak, convincing me drugs provide the love that I seek. Roped in by the Devil my life was consumed, deceptively blinded feeling hopelessly doomed. With no sense of direction or intention to quit, I found myself unable to climb out of this pit. Through support of my family to treatment I went, cautious and nervous to grab the hand that was lent. It was there I was told if I don’t cease to be done, the next stage was death to a life which I only get one. Through fear and humility I took a good inward look, devastated and embarrassed of the actions in which I partook. My newly found knowledge helped me turn things around, I thank God for the happiness in sobriety I’ve found.”

It is through words like these that I reflect back to a precious little girl, with a twinkle in her eye, whose thoughts and words were beyond her years even as a child. One might consider that a curse, but I think it a blessing for the tapestry of life is threaded in many directions before the Master artist lays down the final stitch.

Anticipation

Much compared to a child opening a gift on Christmas Day, I anticipate the time between visits with wonder and excitement. The ride there is like holding a present on my lap and waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to open…all the while trying to guess what mystery lies beneath the wrapping.

As if on cue, the door opens and I can hardly contain myself when I see  before me those beautiful blue eyes, each time becoming more clear and bright. Your smile warms my heart and chips away at the rough edges that have calcified throughout the years.

Carefully peeling back the tape from the imaginary package I hold on my lap, you share with me the excitement that, after a long wait list, you finally have a sponsor. My shoulders relax and I smile with gratitude and praise for another answered prayer. The wrapping is torn in one section as you unveil your feelings of depression. I believe God allows us to hit those low times as a gentle reminder to keep looking up and reach for His outstretched hand. It brings to light one of my favorite sayings, “If you don’t feel close to God…guessed who moved?”

Our visit is brief but I rejoice in the fact there is a visit. Many parents of addicts never get that chance because, more than not, the drugs win and steal away the lives of their children. Keep placing those stepping-stones atop each other, and I will bring back my package and together we can unwrap the gift within.