鈥淚 had tried everything!鈥� she said. 鈥淭reatment programs, alternative therapies, and 12-step groups. It seemed there was nothing left to try. I had lost count of the times I had been in detox, but this time was different. I found hope in a simple, compassionate gesture. Finally, I had discovered enough of what I needed to begin my journey of recovery.鈥�
聽This is a common thread in recovery stories which have been shared with me: one act of simple kindness pushed open the door to healing.
However, for those who have loved and supported a friend or family member, it is also difficult. They have shared the rollercoaster ride focused substance use brings. Grandparents, parents and partners have spoken of their feelings of desperation. They felt they had done all they could to support their loved one, and were isolated with few resources or little support. What many people may not realize is that sharing their family story of substance use to friends and extended family is very difficult. Parents, partners and grandparents too can be freed through simple acts of kindness.
Luke鈥檚 gospel tells the story of the disciples鈥� attempt to separate the 鈥渓ittle children鈥� from Jesus. He is very clear that exclusion of the children is not acceptable. In a simple act of kindness, the 鈥渓east of these鈥� are given hope. Jesus uses the moment to remind the disciples that acceptability and inclusion must never be dependent on social or political power.
In his meditation on the twelve steps,, author and Franciscan friarwrites that Alcoholics Anonymousunderstand the power of powerlessness. 鈥淧eople mustbecome as a little child ready to have God do the work鈥�, he says. 鈥淚t is a negative capability that creates space, desire, and momentum, like a stretched rubber band.鈥� In other words, when we relinquish control and open space for the Holy Spirit to work is when we can incorporate health, hope and opportunity.
Faith communities have a long history of viewing substance use as a 鈥渕oral sin鈥� or a sign of weakness. We now know addiction is a health issue. We know substance use is compounded by generational and/or situational trauma. However, when we come from a place of vulnerable compassion and inclusion, the gospel itself takes on a new vibrancy. Perhaps a Naloxone kit can become a symbol of the baptismal commitment to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving one鈥檚 neighbour as one鈥檚 self. This is a life saving act of compassion. It is telling the acronym for the instructions in the kit is S.A.V.E.M.E. 聽
The arguments against involvement with substance abusers pale when we acknowledge that this saves lives! Truly, powerlessness becomes freedom and opportunity. I believe that we as people of faith are called to (re)discover the power in powerlessness. Jesus told stories and parables where the myths of status and power were challenged. We are charged with removing ourselves as stumbling blocks for 鈥渢hese little ones.鈥�
What can we do?
- Ask the question 鈥渉ow can we help?鈥� 91原创 with agencies who serve and support people with Addictions
- 91原创 with agencies who serve and support people with Addictions
- Have yourself, church leadership and clergy become trained in the use of Naloxone kits
- Acknowledge that no family, no faith community, is immune from substance use.
- Develop relationships and supports for families impacted by substance use.
The Reverend Canon Nancy Ford, Deacon, is the Anglican Director of Deacons for the Diocese of British Columbia聽and Deacon to the City of Victoria out of Christ Church Cathedral.聽
You can read more articles on our interfaith blog, Spiritually Speaking,
Photo of men holding hands by聽听辞苍听
