Addictions

I just ran into an old friend from high school. He said hello and we asked each other the common first question that that people ask when they see a familiar face: "How have you been?" He said that he was good and that he was living in a rehab facility. When I asked why, he began to explain his drug addiction. It hurt my heart to listen to him, but I was over joyed to hear he had been sober for almost 2 months.

It makes me sad to see people from high school. It always seems like the people I reunite with are worse than when I saw them last. It's funny looking back, because all the warning signs were there when we were in school together, but I suppose every one of us thinks it wont happen to us. It won't happen to the ones we care about. But it does. All the kids I partied with are still partying and on the road to alcoholism. All the girls who gossiped with me about the list of boys they'd slept with are all pregnant or have children already. All the boys that smoked pot in their cars and were taking vicodin at lunch are now doing coke, heroin, and meth.

I wasn't perfect in high school. I'm still not perfect. I sin every day, just like the rest of the world. I've gotten so drunk I can't stand, I've gotten so high I can't speak, I've had sex with people I wish I hadn't. In saying that I can not judge the people who continue living burdened lives, because it's only because of God that I'm no longer living the same life as them. Yes, I still make mistakes. But I learn from them. I can only hope that one day, the people I speak of have the same epiphany I did and decide to make their lives better.

Before me and my long lost high school friend departed he told me that he was expecting a second child with his long term girlfriend who he has a two year old with. He told me that he's trying to get back into a relationship with God. He told me that he's happy he's getting better. It gave me hope. To all the people who think that people can't change, you're wrong. It's all in a matter of will. If someone wants to change, they will find a way to. I have hope. For all of you.

I have had many addictions. Addictions that I was too scared to admit I had. I still have addictions. I just want anyone who's reading this to know; if you are struggling with something that you want to kick, talk to somebody. Anybody. Half the battle of fixing a problem, is admitting you have one. Don't let shame, guilt, embarrassment, or fear keep you from confiding in someone. No matter how minor or uncontrollable you think it may be, talk to someone. Ask for help. If all else fails, Confide in God. He always listens and he always answers prays. But if you ask for Gods advice, listen with an open heart, because it may not be the advise you want to hear, but it will always be the advise you need to hear.

I pray for all of you who have life altering struggles. There is power in prayer. I know this from personal experience. If anyone needs someone to confide in, you can email me. You don't have to tell me your name, I won't give you advise if you don't want it. I'll simply listen. I know that's all people need sometimes.

pigeonholesandpolaroids@yahoo.com

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.