Leonard Cohen wrote:
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
My reflection: With addiction, perfect offerings are few, but in the imperfections we can find gold. The light that shines through the cracks can help our loved ones rise out of the ashes of pain and suffering to become different people – stronger, honest, spiritual, and self aware.
Today’s Promise to consider: Our lives have cracks, especially those who have suffered addiction, but it is through the cracks that the softest light gets in. Resurrection happens in that light. Learning happens in that light. Confrontation happens in that light. And healing happens in that light. Let us ring the bell for the light of recovery.
So beautifully and eloquently expressed Libby. May the cracks in our hearts (in my mother’s heart) receive the light that is asking to be let in.
I join you in prayer: May the cracks in our hearts receive the light that is asking to be let in. Let the light reveal, heal, and bring peace. xoxo
Reading this just now was God’s timing for sure. I have been trying to get in touch with my son Joe who is in and out of sobriety. We have plans to go to a baseball game at 6. It’s 3pm and I called to confirm with him knowing that weekends seem to be when he relapses. He’s not answering which means he’s either avoiding me because because he’s high and/ or is sleeping all day for a reason. If he gets it together and I can put my frustration aside, going to a baseball game with an accepting mom may be the crack that lets some light in for him. Me? I will have plan B in case it doesn’t pan out. He seems to want sobriety more this time but is on the verge of getting kicked out of sober living. What a ride. I’m tired.
My dearest Karen, My heart is with you. How many times I was in the same situation – texting, hoping for an answer; waiting, praying that Jeff would show up; calling, expecting him to pick up but knowing he wouldn’t. I’m sorry. Yes, plan B – I know that plan, but it still hurts. You’re tired and I understand. Joining with you in prayer that the light heals. Love to you.
Thanks Libby. We went to the game but he was so high we left. I kept praying because this high seemed different. That little still small voice said go to ER. They ended up giving Narcan later on because the nurse couldn’t wake him after a vigorous sternum rub. She had angel wings for sure. I don’t want to loose Joe. I’m so strong and go on adrenaline in crisis. This will hit me later. He will probably get kicked out of sober living. I don’t think he should come here. He has a job he loves and will think he can pay for an apartment. I’m projecting for sure…
Your instincts saved your son’s life. You and the nurse both have angel wings. I, too, always projected – what if, what will happen when – and all I did was drive myself crazy. Please know that I’ll bombard the heavens for you and Joe, and for wisdom.
It’s times like these that my Al-Anon group served me well. There I found compassion and no judgment. There I found people, who had walked in my shoes.
You’re a good mom, and Joe knows it. Try to stay close, but out of the chaos. My love to you.
Your words mean so much to me. Yes, an alanon meeting tonight. Any tips you have for staying close but out of the chaos will help. He got kicked out of sober living and I decided he could come to the house. My boundaries have to be tight..,
God bless and I’m grateful for your prayers
My dear Karen, Addiction brings us to our knees. You might watch the video on our website – the second tab, the first video. Jeff’s words are powerful, and you’ll hear how I stayed close, but out of the chaos. My love to you. Prayers continuing…..xo
I just listened . Yes his words are powerful and so are yours. You both helped a mom going through another damn grief cycle this morning. God bless both of you.
God bless you. I know that grief cycle. I’ll stay close in prayer.