This morning we went to a drug and alcohol help center. This is not a place of rehabilitation, nor is it an institution. It is simply a safe place for people who are struggling with substance abuse and are wanting to do something about it. What we did was spend a few hours talking with those who are dealing with a number of things in their life. Some are searching for employment and coming up empty handed, some are victims of abuse, some need a hiding place from life, others just want to be there with people who understand them, and almost all of them have been pushed out of society from their friends and family because of an addiction they can’t get rid of on their own.
We talked a lot about love, specifically God’s love. We didn’t talk about church or where to find a bible study group. We didn’t discuss religion or different opinions on things; we simply talked about the heart of God and how much he cares for us. We talked about love and how it’s unconditional and how nothing nor no one can ever take it away from us. We discussed forgiveness and what inner peace looks like. We shared how literally no one is perfect and that God just wants us to seek Him out and not be dependent on ourselves, rather trust in Him.
I’m honestly not sure if our conversation made a forever impact on anyone but I do know hearts were softened (even if it was just a tiny bit) and that people’s words held substance. Although the biggest thing I got out of the morning didn’t occur until we were shaking everyone’s hands and walking away. One man said he was grateful we came to talk to them and to discuss God. He shared that pretty much everyone avoids him and his friends because they think they’re scary or violent. He was thankful that we treated him like we would anyone else.
This. It broke my heart. These people are struggling with things that many people struggle with throughout life but because they live in a Christian nation that sees drinking and smoking as unforgivable, they are deprived love. There are so many things wrong with this and I can’t process each one of them. Instead I can focus on what I know and trust – that there is a God overflowing in love. God is one that fights for each person, no matter their circumstance. He sees past the flaws and shortcomings (shoutout to Jesus on that one) and simply wants us to accept His love and trust in His faithfulness. By doing so we admit to not being able to do things on our own and we begin living in a way that is open to God’s goodness. This is something I often take for granted when in reality it is the most beautiful thing ever.
I’m not sure how to tie this all back together but it’s been tugging at my heart on this Zambian Thursday. Whether you’re a neglected drug abuser or a mom of a perfectly happy and healthy family, God sees you the same. He wants you to embrace His love and pass it on lavishly with those all around. God doesn’t withhold it from us so there’s no need to withhold from others. It’s a powerful thing that holds so much life.
One last thing – I absolutely adore this song, Simple Gospel, and I think it pairs well with this whole topic. Letting go of religious ideas or expectations and simply relying on the Lord and His sweet heart. Check it out if you can 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJV7j5D3PU
xoxo,
Emily
