It’s holiday season again. That means we celebrate, right? What does a recovering alcoholic do to celebrate? We remember. We remember what we’ve learned. We remember what we’ve gone through. We remember the cost to our loved ones. We remember what we lost and we remember what we gained. Most importantly we remember WHY we lost and gained, WHY we went through difficulty, and WHY we made the choice to get well.
May I never, ever forget that alcoholism is a fatal, progressive
and chronic illness. It can only be treated as if it is a bomb that has been
set. It can only be in remission, never cured. I can choose at any point
to let it all go for the sake of one drink. And, of course, one drink
means many, many drinks, and likely, eventual death - if I cannot make my way
back to recovery.
Holiday season may seem like an unlikely time to respond with caution and warning. However, we who have once sold our soul out to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization (1) cannot afford to be enticed by festivity, glitter, and quick-fix joy. We remain vigilant. We remain somberly sober. We remain steadfast, immovable. Always looking out for the devil who roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.(2) The bible tells us that truthfully.
Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (3)
The baby in the manger is the key!
My book, Rescued, A Christian Couple’s Story of Addiction is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
1. 1. Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, More
about Alcoholics Chapter; pg.1, any addition
2. 2. ,3 Bible; 1 Pet; 5:8, Hebrews 4:16