On Good Friday, I sat in the Denver airport and found myself singing a song that we sang during our Easter Celebration Service at Lubbock Impact the Tuesday before Easter. The chorus proclaims, “Joy still comes in the morning, hope still walks with the hurting, if you’re still alive and breathing, Praise the Lord”. (Alive & Breathing by Matt Maher) https://youtu.be/gYUJjsgd96k?si=l6iPi9HRjgEEbhmQ
These lyrics brought to mind some friends with whom I have had multiple discussions over the last month about just how it is that hope still walks with the hurting. As you read their stories, may you be reminded that whatever you may be facing, there is hope in the situation. Christ is our hope!
When I was first introduced to this first friend at Lubbock Impact about 5 years ago, he was homeless, in poor health, had no job, and was struggling with his alcoholism and drug addiction. He felt hopeless and because of his frustration with his daily poor choices, he would lash out verbally at anyone in his path. Regardless of his outbursts, he remained grateful to Lubbock Impact for clothes, food, and more importantly, belonging. Consequently, his favorite is the Community Meal, but he would have to leave before dessert was served to catch the last bus of the evening.
Throughout our friendship, we have had hard conversations about God’s plans for good. About two years ago, he had a major health crisis, and the doctors told him if he didn’t stop drinking and doing drugs he would die. He shared with me his desire to change his lifestyle for his daughter and grandkids whom he was estranged and felt as though it was God telling him to get on the right track. So, he did! My friend is healed from his addictions, has better overall health, is reunited with family, and has purchased a small truck that helps him get to odd jobs to support himself. And now he gets to stay the whole time for Community Meals!
Over the last month, God has brought at least five other people to Lubbock Impact that have addiction in their testimonies. One young man had been to Lubbock Impact many years ago as a boy but remembered the kindness of “God’s people” so he came to ask for help to get into housing. We discussed that housing is not an area that Lubbock Impact has funding to help with. As we talked, he revealed his struggle with alcoholism and desire to break free from that cycle. He has a family and desperately wants to be involved in their lives but can’t because of his current choices. At the time of our meeting, he was ten days clean but was fearful that he couldn’t keep doing it by himself. Through connections that we had with other community partners, The Lord made a way for him to get into rehab at no cost to him. He is still there, committed to staying clean and thriving in his community!
After Community Meal one Tuesday, I asked another friend to stay for a special service. When he lowered his voice to say that he had a meeting to get to, the unspoken message between us was that he was headed to a narcotics anonymous class. The next words out of his mouth were full of joy…”I’m SIX months clean!” The light in his eyes will stay imprinted in my mind. He said at first it was hard, but then after three months of commitment he knew he could be successful. One foot in front of another, making one good choice at a time.
And then there was another friend who came in for her clothes closet appointment, so excited to share that she had recently gotten her one year coin of sobriety.
These are incredible milestones for each of these participants that are life changing and are fought for- milestones that are steps to the reclamation of their lives. The work isn’t done, but it is moving in the right direction.
Over the next several months we will be working toward offering a Celebrate Recovery group and possibly other addiction recovery services. We recognize that we are not the experts and would love to partner with others who want to share God’s redemption and forgiveness beyond addiction. We are walking alongside participants that need a support system that doesn’t judge but instead listens, connects them to the right resources and prays humbly with them for healing and restoration of the heart, mind, soul and body. Life can be very gritty, but grit is what produces the pearls in life.
Thank you for praying, investing, and caring for your neighbors in our community that struggle with so many battles that seem to be impossible to overcome. It is incredible how a piece of clothing or a can of food opens doors that bring deeper conversations and healing. Your support is allowing us to meet people where they are, and to receive them in, helping them find hope, empowerment and healing that will change their view of God and His love for them.