Orange Jumpers

A reminder tonight of something that hits close to home was brought to my attention suddenly, but certainly not by the fault of the individual that innocently brought it to the limelight.

Halloween is upon us and tis the season to let our imagination run wild on pulling together yet another costume to go out and pretend to be something we are not. With that being said, sometimes what we perceive as a "costume", is in fact someone else's reality.

Orange jumpsuits have been the long time regular attire for those in society who spend many Halloweens and Christmas Holidays behind strong steel, cold bars. It is a reality to them. It is too big of a reality for them sometimes. And yet, as we prepare for this fun holiday and day of excuses for dressing up, we tend to forget they're living it, each and every day.

I suppose there are many reasons for being locked up, behind bars, away from society, and it is the law that has been broken, so consequences there are to pay. I agree. But what I feel so desperate about is the fact that some of our loved ones, who suffer with addiction, and mental illness have resorted to law-breaking to survive their withdrawal symptoms. These people are no different than you or I, and some of them "are" you and I. Shall we cast them aside, out of society, out of our circles, because of conditions that are not able to be controlled by self-will? I say, no, but some of you say yes.

The life of an addict is filled with lies, discontentment, physical illness, anxiety, paranoia, pain, spiritual death, the list goes on. These people are our kids, our wives, our husbands, our nephews and nieces, they are part of someone's family. And for the most part, they tend to forget that they are. I am here to stand up for the lost souls of addiction and to try and send them, and their families comfort in the Lord's love. We love them dearly, and will always love them regardless of condition or choices. When are they going to start realizing that?

It goes without saying that we care for those who cannot care for themselves, even more than we care for others. And even more than we should sometimes. We can enable them to continue to be sick, or to live in their addictions by supporting them financially, or with material items such as food, cash, transportation, or even housing. The key is to help them without enabling them to continue in their sickness. And that is definitely a challenge, as we watch our loved one sink further into their black hole of crime and illness.

My heart breaks for them. I have one in mind specifically. I wonder what he's doing tonight. I wonder if he's safe and warm. We often praise God that we at least know where he is today. Unfortunately, I can't help but be broken when I think of him all alone, in the Big House. That place is no place for this little guy, it'll eat him alive, although I am sure he will have to pretend to be stronger than life. I wonder if he's lonely, or cries at night. I pray to the Lord that he can come home soon. I pray to the Lord that he cries out to Him. I wish I had better words to convince him that life could be so much better, if only he'd listen.

The life of someone addicted to drugs or alcohol is devastating to watch, especially when you know their heart. It makes it unbearable at times to know that when all the walls begin to crumble, to expose the love within, the needle pokes back in to play the role of mortar that holds him together. And in his pain, we find ourselves grasping at the slightest ray of hope that perhaps this time will be different. It is a long and frightful path for any of us to travel alone. It is an impossible task. Only when we realize that we are not alone, does it seem to lighten the load, and we find ourselves focusing on the smallest ray of light in our future.

The Lord never leaves our side, regardless of our faith, regardless of our belief or disbelief. He loves us just the same as we continue to love our sick, and our hurting, our families and our children. The closest thing I have been able to identify with in the relationship I have with God is being a mother. I would certainly die for my children.(Jesus died for us) I would give anything that I have to them.(Jesus gives us everything and anything we ask Him for if we follow Him) And I would forgive them for anything they could possibly do, and love them through it all. (Jesus forgives us all) And if "he" ever gets a chance to read this one day, I hope he understands where our hearts are coming from, and that we would do anything we can to save his life. Including laying down our own. I will never forget seeing him in his orange jumper. It breaks me to pieces.

Prayer for the Sick:
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord we ask that your mercy, love and healing be upon our loved ones as they face each new day. You know their specific needs for courage and faith in You and we ask that you show them Your love through those around them, and give them comfort in knowing that You are the only way to be free of this bondage. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.