A Letter to Addiction

Dear Addiction,

You are a thief.

You have stolen homes, cars and other material possessions that people have worked so hard to get. Because of you, people have watched all of their earthly possessions be auctioned off never to be seen again... including sentimental pictures and personal works of art.

But, you are worse than that.

Those things are....things.  Some of those earthly possessions can be replaced and don't really matter in the big picture of life.

Because of you, people have lost their jobs.  They can't find another job because of their past, because of their record, because they haven't been able to hold down a job because they can't function to the capacity they used to before they were introduced to... you!  Now, they can't provide for their basic needs because they don't have a job....because of you!  Because they can't meet their basic needs, they get desperate and do irresponsible things just to survive... keep a roof over their head, food on the table, heat in their house...

But, you are even worse than that.

You are a fire that burns bridges between people.  Your flames go high and are destructive.  People can't remember where their stories start and where they end... there are so many lies, so many broken promises...because of you.  You destroy families and tear apart friendships. You ruin people's support, you annihilate trust... you sever relationships.  

But, you are even worse than that.

Because of you.... because of YOU... you have caused parents to leave their children as orphans.

But... YOU ARE EVEN WORSE THAN THAT!  

You convince people that they are nothing.  You convince them that even if they try they will fail.  You manipulate them in to thinking that even if they are succeeding that they better sabotage everything before they get hurt again.  You rob people of their self-worth, their hope, their true character, their potential and their purpose of life.  

Addiction, you really want me to turn to hate and be full of anger.  You make me want to give up hope on people that you have so entangled in your deception and lies....but that is what you want, isn't it?

Well, I have news for you.

I refuse for you to manipulate me in to hate and add fuel to that fire.  I will fight for those that are chained up in the bondage of addiction.  I will pray for freedom. I will love those children who have lost their parents because of you.   I will always hope for healing and full redemption.

Oh, and Addiction... one more thing...

I believe in miracles. Even though you are powerful... nothing is more powerful than my God who has the power to break every chain.  He already has victory!  
Are you shaking yet?



Sincerely,
Lisa Russell