The M.O.M. Initiative is going where some moms live so that we can offer hope and encouragement to those who are there now… for those who have children who are struggling with the dark place of addiction.
Before you begin to read I want you to know that I believe there is always hope in every situation. I only write from what I have seen and experienced through my children and others who are on this journey.
As addicts progress on the path of addiction, the partial light that once illuminated from the shadows gradually fades away. The darkness begins to creep in and capture them.
This is what I call “‘the place of darkness”. It lurks in the shadows of addiction.
Let’s look at some signs that brought them to this place.
- Usually one of the first signs you will notice is that there is a change in their demeanor.
- Some will start to withdraw from their long-time friends and from family.
- Their activities will also change.
See, most addicts do not like to hang out with straight people for fear someone will recognize what is happening in their life. Even though they know right from wrong, they still do not want to be judged or for others to find out their life is a mess.
Most really think they are in control of their life. How many times have you heard, “I can stop anytime I want to, I don’t have a problem.”
Now, there are those who believe the lie of the enemy that no one knows they are high. They can’t see how drastically their life has changed. This lie allows them to mingle with others and have no remorse for what they do.
Another sign is all the lies that now come forth. Not only do they lie to everyone but they lie to their own self.
They begin to live in a web of lies. It starts out with little lies, and then the lying escalates. There are more and more lies spoken. It comes to a place that lies are now told to cover the lies previously said.
At some point, those who are close to them find it hard to believe anything that is spoken. The trust has been broken. Yet they still continue to lie.
I believe they come to a place that their whole life is a lie. They have lied so much that the reality of truth is buried deeply below the lies. They find a safe haven amidst these lies.
I have heard numerous people (addicts) say, “I am in a dark place in my life. I don’t know what to do”
This is the darkness that takes over. They know they need to stop the drugs (or alcohol) but they don’t quite know how. Some enter into a deep seated depression during this time.
There is a fear that looms within their heart as they enter this dark place. They have no real life. Most of the old friends and acquaintances have walked away. Only those few true friends and family remain.
They feel as their life will always be like this and they have no purpose in life. Their survival is based on the next fix. That is all that matters in this season of their life.
You have to understand it is not that they don’t love you and want to do right, but this is where they are. THIS IS REAL. THIS IS THEIR LIFE.
You can get mad, put them in rehab, cut all monies off, and threaten them to no avail. But there is nothing you can do except pray. You have to realize it is their choice where they are. They traveled the path of addiction, now they have to come to the place that they want to be set free.
I have seen the guilt and shame flicker across their face. But I have also seen the look that says, “You can say what you want, but I am going to do what I do.” It literally breaks your heart.
Let me try to give you an image of the darkness so you will better understand where they are. It is like being in a deep, deep hole where there is no light, no shadows. You can’t find a way out. There is no ladder to help you climb out of this hideous hole. You feel as though you are totally alone with this overwhelming darkness that surrounds you.
Moms, this is a real place that exists in some of their lives. But we know who the Light is. And His name is Jesus. He is their only answer. We cannot really help them, although everything within us tries. Their help comes from Jesus, He is their Deliverer.
I wish I had magical words to give so you could speak to your children so they would stop, but I don’t. I have to trust God in all of these situations. There is always hope in Him. Don’t give up on your children they need your prayers more than ever.
John 12:46 “I am the Light that has come into the world so that all who believes in Me won’t have to stay any longer in the dark.” (Message)
John 8:12 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (NKJ)
______________________________________
Time is ticking and BETTER TOGETHER will be here before you know it!
We’ve had women contact us who really want to go but who are on a very tight budget. WE DON’T WANT FINANCES TO STAND IN THE WAY!
So…
If you’re a SINGLE MOM, HOMESCHOOL MOM or MOM who is dealing with financial restraints, BETTER TOGETHER has been made available FREE FOR YOU because of the generous contributions of our Corporate/Ministry Sponsors.
To get your ticket ALL YOU HAVE TO DO is email us at info@themominitiative.comand request a FREE TICKET!
With 20 speakers and 45 workshops that are designed to meet each woman in every age and in every stage right where she is.
This will be a weekend you won’t forget and we don’t want finances to be an issue! HURRY AND REGISTER TODAY FOR BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
