In the course of the past 3 days, I have heard of 3 young women whose lives are impacted by the use of heroin. As we have returned to our hometown, our hearts ache for the loss of innocence....... and long for restoration.............
I wonder many things: the why's and worries that would cause a young life to believe in a lie. One try leads to the next thrill, desire for adventure or something out of the mundane, ordinary lifestyle that is Berks County, Pennsylvania. Here it may be heroin; elsewhere, another choice made.
There are varying opinions on the cause of the problems, the root of the symptoms, and what course of action needs to be taken. I can only speak from my experiences, as I know the desperation felt when hope is needed, and there is no where to turn; you feel you are left on your own.
Or there is nothing to hope in........ except something higher and greater than my own problems..........
I understand what it's like not to know something until you walk through it and then, it's too late. There is no need for condemnation; the Holy Spirit does the work of conviction. I just need to be there........ to help pick up the pieces and push in the right direction. Perhaps it is from my loss I speak, but I would not let known issues lie without doing everything possible to push for change........... the "climate" needs to shift.
I am praying about the purpose in all of this, as you know I believe in the power of redemption. I am also challenged to know how to reach out and make a difference; loss has touched too many lives........
Those who participate, the enablers, and the crowd of witnesses, watching it all happen, such as at our local high school this week. Loss can create a callousness.......
We must bring back the light.