In class on Monday’s we always share some good things that happened over the weekend. This week, after almost everyone else spoke Barry shared about a weekend family BBQ.
A quiet 50-year old guy, Barry’s struggled with alcohol for decades. His family loved him but had long since decided they couldn’t stop him from doing what he was doing. But they also figured they didn’t have to support his addiction, either.
So old Barry was on his own. He survived, but life wasn’t really fun or easy. So 6 months ago he showed up at Helping Up Mission and joined our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program.
While Barry did let family know he was with us, they didn’t jump up to come and visit. But they did keep watching – from a distance.
Month after month Barry stayed the course and this weekend was a huge pay-off! Each year, Barry’s sister holds a family BBQ – but he hadn’t been invited for years.
Last week Sis contacted Barry and invited him to this year’s BBQ. In fact, she wanted him there so bad, she even came to downtown Baltimore and picked him up!
He was so pleased to be there and to see family members he hasn’t been in contact with for years. In fact, it was such a good time that Barry’s already making plans for next year…
…One Day at a Time!
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director