addiction month

I ran a half marathon called the freedom run, a charity that donates to teens struggling with addiction. I couldn't think of a better place to spend my money and put all my work towards. As I ran I felt like I wanted to give up and have someone just pick me up and not even finish the race. Then I saw a hummingbird fly in front of me, pause, and fly away. Every time I see a hummingbird I think of my grandmother who passed away just before I got married. I started to cry(which is actually really hard to do when you've run 8 miles and still have 5 more to go!). I started to reflect on her life and how addiction had had such a negative affect in her life and was always there. Despite all of that I loved her and I know she was loved. She is a daughter of God just like. I ran the rest of my race thinking of her and all the people that have had addictions and I loved them all. I finished my race feeling so happy I decided to do it and can't wait to do it again! 

September is national addiction month. Never have I felt more compelled to think, ponder and pray for people struggling with addiction. Although I've never experienced it myself, and I'm sure others can relate to me when I say, I've seen the terrible effect it has on families and the ones you love most. It brings out the absolute worst in everyone involved: anger, sadness, disappointment, hopelessness and depression.

Recently the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints released videos on the 12 steps of addiction recovery on their website lds.org. I watched every single one and found it difficult to face the reality of what those individuals went through and how it had the potential to destroy their entire lives. It gives hope to those struggling with addiction a to pornography, food, alcohol and drugs. Addiction can take many forms and is always unhealthy and debilitating but there is always help. There are always people wiling to help and there is always prayer. 

People with addictions are not bad people and need to know that!  I've struggled to know how to help those people battling addiction and the only conclusion I've come to is to pray for them and love them no matter what. I know God loves all his children and that they were made strong enough to deal with the trials that they face. Have faith in Him and live righteously, and I know that it will bless their lives as well. And if you want to know how I feel about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the gospel, just read my last post. The power to overcome is so real and waiting for us whenever we need it.