Everything comes in cycles. A full moon, weddings and the babies, the longer days of summer and, in South Florida, the less humid days of winter. Good time and bad times and we’re in that challenging time in our rehabilitation center.
We’re in our third month of renovations in our building which has meant change. A lot of change. The men are still using a shower trailer outside. We’re finally able to eat in the dining room again but now the day room, where they gather for television or just to sit and read in the evenings, is not usable and the chapel is….well, now it’s in the dining room because it’s air-conditioned.
These are external but they are disrupting life and when life is fragile it doesn’t take much.
Then there’s the beast that is always screaming to get out and lately, that beast of addiction is winning. Even that comes in cycles. Is it the heat? Our humidity makes most days feel like “triple digits” (even the weather folks won’t say it in actual numbers). Is it the renovations? Unexpected changes can undo the best of us.
Or is it just the beating down of addiction? It is a fierce competitor and takes out those who’ve looked so strong. And we’re feeling it’s wrath. We are seeing men who’ve done so well, had a couple of years of sobriety fall. Hard. They’ve come to our door again, with that look. The look that all I can do is hug them and hold back tears for later. But in less than a week gone again. Not even with us long enough to put on the weight the needle had taken and they’ve decided to leave our place of refuge. A little money in the pocket of another and he’s gone. Again. Promise stolen from the empty promise of crack.
It’s that time. That cycle and it isn’t good. The only answer we have is to keep loving and praying. Praying to a God who understands what we don’t, who can give more than we have and whose promises are true.
If you pray, join us please, and pray for these precious souls and our staff. We need to see and know God’s presence.
It’s a hard time, a sad time. An uncertain time because when is this run their last run?
Living In Graceland 
Praying with you.
Thank you Judi ❤
Oh, I’m so sorry, Debby. I know it can hurt. We’ve been through similar stuff with our inner city church, and all we can do is look at the progress. The lack of progress can kill motivation. Blessings on you and the work you are doing. I certainly will pray. ❤ K
Yes, Katharine, that is our focus too. The exodus has accelerated the past week and that can be create a strong current through the house. I know God is in control and I know he leads us to ask for prayer. Thank you for yours!
Praying for you in Houston (where triple digit weather is common too!).
Patricia! It’s been too long since we’ve been in touch, friend. Thank you for your prayers. I know you are always with us in spirit. Hugs to you! (maybe one day it can be in person)
Prayers have been lifted…
Thank you jhenry. I share with the men that people they don’t even know are praying for them. It makes an impact to so many to have strangers prayer. What a testimony of God’s faithfulness!
God is faithful and prayers for all
Thank you, Susie!
Thank you for continuing to love and pray. I am praying with you.
Thanks Annette – just one of those times and extra prayers are wonderful!
Weeping as I read this, heart breaking for all–yes, of course I’ll be praying fervently. When you’re giving out hugs, give them one from sis Caddo. God bless you all–love to you, Debby.
Yes, yes, I need to remind them people they’ve never met are praying for them. That is so awesome to me. Thank you!
I’m also praying for strength for your heart, as I know it must be so difficult–I’d be a mess, loving those guys and feeling so “not enough” to help them. I pray this cycle of slipping back is over quickly, that a cycle of victory comes on a beautiful wave to lift you all up.
I do. I have been. But reading this is heart breaking and I’ll step it up. Praying for you, too, dear friend.
Debbie, we already see God’s hand moving through to change our sorrow to hopeful and expectant. I know it is always prayers that keep us looking and waiting for Him. Thank you! (hugs)
Just prayed for all of you.
Thank you Brenda! So thankful God begins to answer before we even ask!
Checking in….how has it been going?
There’s always ups and down in this Judi. You know it as well as I do. One I had in mind when I wrote that isn’t doing well, last I heard. He seems set on a course of distruction. I could just sense the intense anger in him. Then there was one young one who relapsed while we were gone – one week after his graduation! It was a particularly tough day for Henry yesterday – keep him in our prayers. Wisdom, much wisdom and comfort. Thank you dear friend.