The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

I am new to this board, but I would like to see some discussions going on. So, I would like to tell you about some women with real problems, the kind I deal with every day. There are those that have been on drugs so long that they look older then me and I will be 59 tomorrow and these women are early 30's. They have lived on the street, sold their bodies, stolen, lied and cheated people, just to get the next fix. Children have been born into this mix, which makes an added problem. Then there is the alcoholic who does basically the same thing to get that next drink. Just to find herself in the same shape the next day and needing that drink worse then anything. Then there are those who have been abused by dads, brothers or uncles. Or maybe even neighbors. They feel like it is all their fault and they can't wash the dirt away. Then there are those that abuse themselves by cutting their bodies. This is really a bad thing and very emotional. The reason can be from any problem you could possibly think of. Now, how do you deal with them? Most of them come to me and want to get their lives straightened out. It doesn't happen on the first try. It takes a total intervention and you must keep watch on them. I caught one making a drug deal in the Taco Bell parking lot. I called her Mom and ask where she was and her mom said at the store. When I saw her, I pulled right up to the car and the guy selling the drugs was so scared that he was ready to run. But not knowing if he had a gun I could not get out of the car. I pray with these women, I cry with them, I mentor their children as a grandmother would. But one thing, they have all come to find salvation and they know the right from wrong. You know they really believed that because they did these things at night in the dark or at home that no one would know. I made them see that God knows and sees all things. I am glad to say I have only lost one, out of quite a few and her boyfriend was pulling her away with drugs. These women have become outstanding mothers to their children, good workers in the public and in the church. Willing to reach out to anyone and everyone, especially those that are in the same place they once were. They call me to come and help talk to someone or to give comfort or just pray. These young women are not afraid to let their light shine for Christ for they know who holds all their problems now. ladybug

I'm not really allowed to post here but I would like to address this issue if Dcljoy will let me....

Rene

as Ladybug is agreeable, and I know I can count on your wisdom ... I look forward to your comments.

in Christ

Dinah

_________________
Forum Code of Conduct
Forum Statement of Beliefs

There is much tragedy in our world that often weighs down the soul and mind of Christians who feel the pain of those who suffer in this world. This empathy, and at times sympathy, can become a burden even until a feeling of death much like our Lords emotions in the Garden when he asked the burden to be lifted from him. As a care provider it is important not to become so burdened by those we serve as to sacrifice our own spiritual/physical health while also becoming over involved in the lives of those being served...a safe emotional distance is necessary for long-term effective service. That being said it is hard indeed to look upon those who have become victims of addictions and not have our heart to go out to them especially those who are selling their bodies to make a living. Interventions into the lives of addicts cannot truly happen until that person is either ready for assistance or a miracle directly from God changes her or his life situation.

Asking for and expecting addicts to keep promises is perhaps a useless way to truly help victims. Providing food, clothing, shelter, prayer, and referrals for the victims of addiction and their children maybe the only effective means for that person to get help. Trying to make them stop with reasoning is not only a waste of time but also a spiritual burden to those who care. It is not the care givers responsibility to fix those under the influence of drugs...don't adopt them...don't take them to your home...respect them as adults by providing a path for them to rehab through their own choice. There is an overwhelming evil force in the addicts life and that being the drug of choice...it is the first and primary thing that must be exorcised from the life of the addict...even before the healing from abuse that can be done in therapy. There is hope for those who are burden with the evil of addiction but it is up to each person in their relationship with God to find that personal healing. The right referral to a social service professional, safe place, or even children's services maybe the key to an effective intervention in the client's life...but this must be done in a prayerful and humble manner. This is meant to be general advice about general issues of life that effect many people in this world. May God grant you the strength and wisdom to minister to the needs of these individuals Ladybug.

Thank you very much Rene. This is advice that I learned the hard way. You know when I was a child, if I saw a cat or dog that was homeless, I wanted to bring them home. But with people it is not the same. As you say the intervention must come from two places, the person themselves or God. I have had some in special therapy with a previous drug addict who is now a Pastor and bless him, he is hard on them, but he has learned not to push. And through him is where I learned that we can teach them, pray with them and love them. But they must want the help to get rid of it. I know from experience it is hard to throw the old trash out of your life, that has held you down for so long. But when God says the time is now, I know he was holding me up and I let go.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encourgement, I will continue on my journey, one person at a time, with God holding me up. Bless you.ladybug

Ladybug

thank you for blessing us with the story of what God is doing through you, and those who work with you, in the lives of these tragic people.

It is wonderful that you have built up relationships with them and their children, because this shows them that there is a way out if they choose to take it. Something like this would be impossible to come out of without help and support.

Make sure you get the spiritual input that you need so you can keep going.

May God bless you in your work and keep you strong in your love and faith in Christ. ....

your sister in Christ

Dinah

_________________
Forum Code of Conduct
Forum Statement of Beliefs