Stuart’s addiction created a gulf between him and family members. He really put them through a great deal of pain by taking advantage of them – both stealing from them and lying to them.
While it wasn’t a pleasant situation, he just learned to live with it. Stuart wasn’t going to change, so that’s the way it would have to be!
But this year, even he got uncomfortable with his addiction. Looking for some help he found out about Helping Up Mission.
In his 30’s, Stuart was pleasantly surprised how well he was able to settle down in our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program. It’s been almost 4 months now and he’s really begun to feel a good bit different.
So this past weekend, Stuart was invited to spend some time with his younger sister in Virginia. They haven’t seen each other for 4 years because of his addiction. But she’s heard that things are different.
He came back very pleased with how well they got along and what a nice time he had with her. He also got a special surprise.
His sister, who’s wanted nothing to do with her stealing, lying, older brother, now asked him if he wanted to be a groomsman at her wedding next spring – as long as he was clean! Stuart was humbled and honored that she wanted him to attend…let alone participate.
He wants to live a recovery lifestyle for himself, but sis just gave Stu some meaningful additional motivation.
It will work if he works it…
…One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director