Drugs In The Home

An exasperated mother and father sat down in a counselor's office. Both were at their wits end because, although they did their best to raise their daughter in to a loving, supportive and stable home, with each passing year of her teenaged life, their daughter had become more involved in recreational drugs.

"We've tried everything," stated the mother as she reached for a tissue within her purse. "Even after family counseling and an intervention, then her staying at a rehabilitation center for three months last summer, Jenny is again back to her old ways," the mother continued as she dabbed the tears from her eyes.

Her husband put his hand on her knee, patted it, and added, "It's true. We just don't know what more to do. We love our daughter, and want the best for her, but she doesn't seem to want it for herself. We've tried everything to get her to open her eyes, and while things can change for a little while, she always goes back to the drugs."

The counselor, Mrs. Kelly, had known Jenny's family for a very long time. She knew the type of people they were, and understood their pain and frustration because she had helped other similar families who were going through the same thing. Most were not neglectful parents; the addicts were coming from otherwise stable and loving homes, and this made the situation even more frustrating.

"Growing up in these trying times is not always easy," replied Mrs. Kelly. "As responsible parents we teach our kids one set of morals, but their peers often follow another, and the pressure to fit in can be intense. Add to this the confusing, sexual, and often violent messages and images on TV, in modern music and the entertainment industry, and add to this the easy availability of drugs, and, well, it makes for a very risky breeding ground."

Jenny's parents eyes locked with Mrs. Kelly's as they seemed to cling to her every word.

Mrs. Kelly continued, "It's hard to know why for certain someone falls pray to drugs, and other unhealthy life choices, but the best response we as parents can take while still engaging in other positive actions such as family counseling, etc., is unconditional love."

"We already love, Jenny!" insisted Jenny's dad, "Sometimes, it seems like she doesn't want that love though!"

"That is OK ," said Mrs. Kelly as she smiled subtly, "Jenny may not want your love right now, but let your actions show her it is there no matter what she may do or say. Love her enough to pray for her daily, even when she may curse you, and let her know that you are there for her when she is ready."

"Yes, but we can't keep living like this!" stated Jenny's dad as he raised up his arms.

Again Mrs. Kelly smiled knowingly, "And you shouldn't have to," she replied, then continued, "Love Jenny enough to continue setting boundaries and consequences. You have other children to think about, as well as your own welfare."

Four years later, Jenny walked in to Mrs. Kelly's office.

"Jenny!" shouted Mrs. Kelly, "You look wonderful! How are you?"

Jenny smiled then sat in the brown worn leather couch. "I am fine," she said, "but I came here to tell you thanks. My parent's told me the advice you gave them years ago, and although I initially thought they were fools for wasting their time, I now see that this was the best thing they could have done for me."

"Oh?" replied Mrs. Kelly as she smiled knowingly.

"Yes, " stated Jenny. "I was not ready and mature enough to quit the drugs. I had to first sink so low that the next step was either up, or down to my grave. My attitude at home got so bad that mom and dad had no choice but to take drastic measures. I hated them for a while, but the recovery center they sent me to really made a difference. Every day for three months we had former addicts share their stories. Being around other recovering addicts also helped me to not feel alone or different, and that it was OK to reach out for help. I also had daily counseling, and a chance to clean out my system of all the garbage that had so polluted it. Even when I was cursing mom and dad, and telling them to stay away, they would still keep in touch, if only to remind me they loved me no matter what. I guess their daily prayers helped because it is quite a miracle how much I have changed! Their consistent love and support made a big difference, and even today, still does!"

Real Life Application: While the above story is fictional, the reality of drugs in our world is real. No longer are drugs solely used by prostitutes, pimps, or the street bum who sits on the dirty sidewalk, but otherwise good and decent families are also being affected. If you know such a family, please consider forwarding this Daily Wisdom to them.

If you or a loved one is addicted to drugs, please take action, and do not let this monster destroy another family and take another precious life. Alone, it is difficult, but with God at your side, all things are possible!

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you..." (Psalms 55:22)

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com