Upon receiving the phone call, disappointment and sadness engulfed hearts of the family. Thirty-Nine year old Josh died of an overdose. For the better part of 20 years, he had been in and out of rehabs and prison due to drug addiction.
Josh’s birth mother struggled with addiction and gave him up for adoption when he was 16 months old. His adoptive parents welcomed him with unconditional love. Josh was bright, good-looking and charismatic. He could have been so very successful in life.
During the first year with his adoptive parents, he would stand for long periods at the living room window, looking for his birth mother to come for him. Despite loving words, hugs and attention, he often demonstrated sadness and anger.
His young mind never got free from tormented and lying thoughts of rejection. Rebellion often drove away those who tried to be close, further inflicting the false belief he was rejected. I believe the pleasure he felt from a drug induced high supplied him with a short-lived feeling of love and acceptance.
In the days surrounding the funeral, the family took comfort in being together. They talked about Josh, their grief and love for one another. As 3 generations met together with laughter, love and tears, the bonds of loving acceptance deepened and began to heal the grief.
The funeral is over. What’s the next step for the friends and family who truly loved Josh, prayed for him and never gave up hoping? Some ask God, “How is the death of Josh working to demonstrate your loving goodness? Why didn’t you deliver him?”
I believe God is deeply grieved by the bondage of both prescription and non-prescription drug addiction experienced by many. He wants us to love them with prayers and concrete expressions of love. He wants us to be aware of the extent of the problem and involved in a solution bringing tangible positive change.
God does answer difficult questions when we ask Him. Addictions have brought unwanted storms to many families. And when addiction steals, His loving presence and the presence of loved ones are a source of true comfort and hope. A compassionate ear can help bring healing for those grieving.
We can no longer deny the problem of addiction is a growing thread in the fabric of our society. Perhaps Josh would still be alive and well if his birth mother had received the love she needed as a child or maybe she needed parenting help.
If you’re addicted, there’s help and deliverance available. If you’re not, reach out to at least one person or family needing love and support. You may save one life or many for generations to come by sacrificing your time and talents for another’s benefit.
Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food for today, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (NLT: Matthew 6: 9 – 13)