I don’t think there’s anything worse for a mother than when her kids follow in her footsteps—the wrong footsteps, anyway. Having battled addictions for so many years, (so far and yet so near), I can’t stand the thought that one of my two “boys”, (19 and 20), might be imprisoned as I once was. So, when I found out that “the baby of the fambly” was addicted to cigarettes, my heart broke. I felt like the worst parent alive. Even though I had quit everything when they were very young, I couldn't help but think that somehow I was still a negative influence. And then there were the inevitable "how can I be in ministry when my own kids are out of control?" thoughts. And me, the author of "12o Days to Freedom", (my stop anything book), the mother of a slave to nicotine! The worse part about it was that I knew, from my own experience, that any amount of nagging, proselytizing, or just general trying to shame him into wanting to stop could very well cause him to rebel more and more. So I had to do the unthinkable: surrender my control over the situation! I decided to give him to Jesus, once and for all, (it was about time...), and to fight the battle on my knees.
My bright spot today is that “the baby” has been nicotine free for five whole days, and counting. It hasn't been easy for him, (it never is easy to do the right thing), but I think he's going to make it. And me? I'm giving up smooth knees.
Thank you Lord for letting me see that I can’t take care of every situation, but You can.
Isaiah 49:25—“I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons.”
I’ve Given Him To Jesus
Where’s the precious baby
I cradled in my arms
Who gripped my thumb
In his tiny hand?
Has it really been that long?
Where’s the skinny little boy
Whose tears I kissed away?
It used to be
That a mother’s hug
Would make it all OK.
I’ve given him to Jesus
I’ve placed him in His arms
Now trust must fill
This empty nest
That’s left here in my heart.
My bright spot today is that “the baby” has been nicotine free for five whole days, and counting. It hasn't been easy for him, (it never is easy to do the right thing), but I think he's going to make it. And me? I'm giving up smooth knees.
Thank you Lord for letting me see that I can’t take care of every situation, but You can.
Isaiah 49:25—“I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons.”
I’ve Given Him To Jesus
Where’s the precious baby
I cradled in my arms
Who gripped my thumb
In his tiny hand?
Has it really been that long?
Where’s the skinny little boy
Whose tears I kissed away?
It used to be
That a mother’s hug
Would make it all OK.
I’ve given him to Jesus
I’ve placed him in His arms
Now trust must fill
This empty nest
That’s left here in my heart.
Thanks Barbara. Today I was on the phone with my mom and we talked about my brother who is learning to live sober(cocaine his choice of use). Most of all he has never learned to live or manage his money on his own. Always lived with my mom, he is 38 yrs of age. My mom has finally learned to let him go,well trying. My brother is sober for a little over a year and living in a half way home with 12 other men. A big accomplishment, but still needs to learn how to manage a check book. I past on the poem to my mom and my sister, who also struggles with a son who's mouth is filled with anger towards all of us. He never calls unless he needs money. He is 38 as well. Thanks for your wisdom.
ReplyDelete