Pileups happen. Especially in families. That’s what happened to mine. That’s what happened to Keith’s. That’s the nature of family. The ties are so close that the same cord that hangs one tangles all. They say alcoholism is a family disease, but it’s not the only one. Both of my girls experienced some second-hand effects from…
We Can’t, but God Can
“It’s just me, and I ain’t much.” We’d been talking for well into an hour before she said the words. We’d worked our way through two cups of machine- brewed, hospital-waiting-room coffee. Hers with sweetener, mine with powdered creamer. Small of stature she was. No makeup, hair matted. Her T-shirt was loose fitting and crumpled.…
The Trouble with Pleasures
The Life of Christ Speaks of Sacramentality If the life of Christ shows us anything, it’s that the Stuff of Earth is meant to point us to the substance of Heaven. How? Consider the way He came eating and drinking. Jesus’ best buddy, John, set out to record the life of Christ, miracles and all,…
After the Collapse
Editor’s Note: In the past few years, we’ve unfortunately witnessed quite a large number of men succumb to very public failures . . . from leaders in business, politics, entertainment and yes—even the church. But there is still great hope for these men, even after the collapse. Nate Larkin is living proof of that.…
The Giant of Addiction Must Fall
We’re an addicted generation. We don’t think of ourselves as addicted, but we are. That’s a tough blanket to spread, isn’t it? Mention the word addicted and the tone in a room instantly changes. Our minds connect the word to the “big” addictions only, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or porn. We think of…
Break Every Chain
Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains… Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His…
Coming Clean: Liberate Me
Editor’s Note: Seth Haines was in the hospital with his wife, planning funeral songs for their not-yet two-year-old, when he made a very conscious decision: this was the last day he wanted to feel. That evening, he asked his sister to smuggle in a bottle of gin, and gave in to addiction. In Coming Clean, Seth…
Journey to Recovery: The First Step
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. — Romans 7:18 No one gets to start in the middle — we’re all beginners in one area of our lives or another. But for…
Coming Clean: Battling Addiction
I read the words of Jesus. Whoever wants to be My disciple, He said (and still says), must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me. — Luke 9:23 This Scripture is a clarifying voice calling. There are, of course, various responses to any voice, including the still small voice. I suppose…
A Line in the Sand
Annie called home a couple of weeks later, asking me for a ride. I had decided long ago not to give her rides and always said no when she made these requests. I didn’t want to enable her lifestyle, nor did I want to unwittingly drive the getaway car in a drug deal. But today,…
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