In this season, beyond the busy shopping, office parties, festive gatherings and happy celebrations, there are those still hurting. Some from loss and some possibly nearing the bottom of their addiction. This time of year can be a huge trigger.
A sober friend sent me this writing below as a response to his Bible reading for the day. He gave me permission to share it. This writing is a reminder that we can be that light to others who need us to be the hope that they can recover and thrive again too:
“Imagine a meeting. All of the 60-plus days people are sitting in the circle breathing normally with alert eyes and posture that indicates peace with oneself. These are all candles. Lit candles shining with a hint of warmth. Shining so much that the electric lights may be dimmed, but the interior of the room is clearly visible. In walks the addict, barely dry from the last bender. The unmoving frown, dull eyes, and closed, self-conscious posture. The addict is able to easily find a back row seat in the candle lit room. The emotionless face looks around the room at nobody. The lights slowly come into focus. The lights take the shape of people that speak out to share the light. Willing lamplighters. The addict can see, for perhaps the first time in years, that hope and help are available. If willing, the addict can take the light being shared and rekindle a flame in themselves that had long been forgotten. Then, one day at a time, the light grows brighter for others to see and cannot be hidden.”
The photo of the candles represents that hope my friend is talking about—of a meeting and sitting in a room full of lighted sober souls ready to help. As you can see, there is one candle in the middle that has not been lighted. That is you—or WAS you—or somebody you know.
To me, that is the visual representation of a phrase we use in recovery about “staying in the middle of the herd.” That’s where we find our support and hope.
I pray that YOU can be the light and be the hope for somebody in need.
Or, that this reading can be the light and hope for you to get sober and follow the light around you today.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
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