Recovery is always a struggle for slackers

As we sit and watch the many who have recovered there always are more that still seek a way to find those who care. No matter what the obstacle that presumes the patient will find help we may ask who is brave enough to fit into their addiction or failure? We are told that only one who has had the same down-fall in life will be the person that will reach out to them and can understand their plight. You may hear the words, “Been there done that!” Find them and the battle has a patriot who will go to bat for you.

When I was sent to minister with Catholic residents in recovery, during my diaconal ministry in Midland, Texas, I had no idea what to expect. During my first session with the group my first words were, “I wish I had the same addiction in order to reach an understanding with you.” They immediately sounded like a chorus when their collective response was “no you don’t.” Usually most addicts are trying recovery since they know what the negative aspects can be like when they always say, “what me?” “I don’t need to stop consuming whatever it is that you think I should.” One afternoon at lunch some of the residents assured me most addicts won’t realize their need until they are in the gutter and crying out for someone to find them. For far too many the help comes too late.

If you are one who has a sad opportunity to be related in different ways to an addict you’ll realize the struggle that exists when attempting to be a guide for that unfortunate soul. While ministering with the group in Texas I learned that the Southern Baptists looked down on alcoholics and condemned those who were in that condition. There was a Baptist mother whose son was one of the recovering residents, and she stepped right up to the task of helping me with a spiritual service on Sundays. So much for discrimination between denominations. My most humbling result from ministering with these needy people was when 10 of the group (most of those I worked with spiritually) chose me as their 5th step confidant. It wasn’t me but the Holy Spirit using me as a vehicle to reach all of those who allowed the Lord Jesus to enter into their muddled life.

As I have mentioned in other articles, we should never be surprised when the Holy Spirit calls us into his service doing what was not our first choice. However, when returning to Pittsburgh I became chaplain for POWER (Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery) and became a staunch advocate for anyone in recovery and the need to help them.

This ministry inspired me to write an article regarding my ministry with POWER and it was published in the January/February 1994 issue of Deacon Digest. The title of the article is, “Love! Is P.O.W.E.R.” I reached out with the scenario of how too many bishops, priests, and deacons may not be aware of the need to reach these brothers and sisters of ours who are the ones Jesus came to find and give God’s eternal love to. They are not sinners, but victims of too much condemnation with genes that help control their unwelcome situation and I know what it’s like to bury a child much too early in life.

Ralph B. Hathaway