Geri Jensen’s August 20 letter said let’s give credit to where credit is due. Yes, all those teenagers who came and served our community deserve credit… but every one of them would say that they would have not done anything apart from the inspiration they received from God. So since it was their gig, and that’s their testimony, who are we to take away from their heartfelt sacrifice?
Geri was bothered by my speaking of solving of chemical addictions in such simplistic terms as to be freed in a religious rally. I deliberately used the word addictions in the broadest sense, including addictive behavior beyond chemical behavior. So I don’t appreciate words being put in my mouth.
I don’t have a hard time with the concept that someone can be instantly freed of any kind of addiction, since I myself was set free from a drug addiction overnight many years ago in a similar fashion. Since then I worked with others caught up in addictions for over 35 years all up and down the shores of Lake Superior. I’ve seen or have heard of many others with similar experiences.
Obviously this is not true for everyone. There are many who find it a day-to-day battle. And sadly, there are others who don’t make it. Because of that, I have been running or overseeing support groups for 21 years, to help those people who struggle to stay free. Since I work closely with not only clergy, but the heads of most social services departments, the child protection agency, law enforcement, professional counselors and the court system, who would testify that I have helped many people, I think your inference that I am a sham is totally out of line.
Anyone who actually works with addictions realizes that sometimes the hardest step that a person makes to get free for their addiction is that first step. That moment where they say enough is enough. I don’t want to live this way anymore and I will do everything I can to see that happen. Whether that means following God, or going into a treatment program, or seeking out professional counseling, this is a huge deal. So making that choice to change their life is no small thing and needs to be recognized for what it is!
Of course we all hope that they are still free a year from now which is an added bonus, but that doesn’t take away from the significance of their original choice.
Gerry Cheney
Beaver Bay
Leave a Reply