Finding Freedom in Truth

I’ve heard that the first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem! Yes, this is true but the process of taking responsibility is often hard. The road is filled with potholes that want to swallow us! I understand this process only too
well. I told myself during the years of my son’s drug abuse – “It’s the psychologist’s fault.” “It’s his friends fault,” and, more often than not, I said, “It’s my fault.”

I rarely placed the blame on my son’s personal choice. Actually it was easier to blame myself or others. The problem grew as I felt justified by this action. However, it did not cure one ounce of the situation. Blame is often our way of acting as judge and jury for a particular action. While it may bring a sense of instant relief, it has no lasting effects.

During those years of struggle as I released the blame from others (and myself), I found a new freedom. A freedom to honestly search for help, and a freedom to listen to good and godly advice. I believed by faith that my son would be healed, and I looked for ways I could help other mothers going the horrific ordeal. Perhaps the greatest gift was a new understanding that my heavenly Father held me (and my son) in his loving arms.

Next Steps:

Be honest about your situation. No cover-up. No judgment – just genuine honesty. Psalm 30:1-5 reminds us to cry out to God.

By faith, release your situation into the hands of our Sovereign God. Psalm 118:1-6 reminds us that God’s love is everlasting.

Be willing to use what you have learned. II Cor. 1:3-4 reminds us that we learn how to help others going through a similar situation.

Jerrianne Iseley is a pastor’s wife, speaker and writer who shares the heart of Sanctuary in Trauma. She teaches and writes from her life experiences and gives sage advice to those walking through hard.