I am not alone

When I looked into the smiling, baby faces of my three sons and held their tiny fingers, I dreamed of all they’d grow up to be. Never did I imagine that decades later, one of my sons would struggle with drug addiction, and I would be visiting him in prison.

Devastated, I sobbed in the arms of family and friends. Doubtful, I joined a prayer group. Ashamed, I became involved with a support group for family and friends of addicts. Soon, I began to feel some comfort. Praying for one another, we were strengthened. A new  understanding of addiction and its effects replaced my shame with compassion. With our hope renewed, our family became better together.

At times we may find ourselves trapped in a crisis and feeling helpless, alone, devastated or terrified. We may scream for help only to feel that no one hears or cares. But we are not alone. God loves us and doesn’t want us to face our nightmares without help. He reaches out to show love for us through other people. Our scripture verse reminds us of the Lord’s promise: ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’

Prayer: Thank you, compassionate God, for hearing our cries, listening to the prayers of our hearts, and helping us to find you in the love you show through others. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen