Are you in recovery?

Do you find yourself struggling, sorely tempted to go back and pick up the blunt, baggie or pipe? 

For that one person out there, that may be on the verge of returning to what the Bible calls 

“The domain of darkness,” 

let me remind you what that domain of darkness holds for you.

"House stripped and bare; her wedding ring lying there

I wish I stayed; vows betrayed

Wives beaten; drugs eaten

Tempers flare, sirens blare, prison house stare

Liquor pours, jail house doors

Charge of possession, years of depression

Years unemployed; opportunities destroyed

Mothers sighing, years of lying, children crying, hopes dying!

Basement, couch or attic; home of the roaming addict

Lies spoken; friendships broken

Music blaring, hollow eyes staring, needle sharing

Nothing to share, cupboards bare, no one to care

Sin sick soul, blunt, bag and bowl; 

no hope, no help, no goal….

Let us never forget! May our eyes not be blinded to what lays at our door! Oh! But God rescued us from the domain of darkness

And transferred us to “the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

Let me also remind you of Christ’s kingdom….

A coal, a spark, a flame, 

new hope in Jesus’ name!

I have as much value and worth as any person on earth

Breaking the chains of anguish, despair and addiction; 

Ending the life of constriction, friction and contradiction,

 A do over, a brand-new page!

Freedom from depression and inner rage.

Leaving crime, passion and strife

Learning to walk in love, light and new life! 

 "Take care of him, and I'll repay you when I return." 

Lk. 10:35

 "Never harm your woman, not with your hands, your words, or your silence. A woman who stands by you is your biggest blessing, and her presence is a testament to her love and trust in you. When you choose to hurt her, you choose to wound her spirit, and with every wound, a piece of that beautiful bond you share is lost forever.

Never forget that your words hold immense power. The things you say can either uplift her or tear her down. Choose to speak life into her heart, to build her up rather than tear her apart. Your words can heal, comfort, and inspire her, or they can create scars that she might carry for a lifetime. Use your voice to nurture, to bring her peace, and to remind her of the love you hold.

Never let your pride come in the way of showing her the love she deserves. Ego can destroy what could be the most beautiful connection between two souls. Lower your guard and allow yourself to be vulnerable, for in that space, true intimacy blooms. There’s strength in showing her that you’re willing to bend, to grow, to become a better man for her.

Never take her presence for granted. It’s easy to overlook the little things she does, the way she cares, the way she gives her heart without holding back. Remember, her heart is delicate, and once she feels unappreciated, a part of her will begin to close off. Value her presence, appreciate her efforts, and make sure she knows how much she means to you.

Never underestimate the power of your touch. A gentle touch can be a source of immense comfort to her, a reminder that she is safe in your arms. Touch her with kindness, with gentleness, and with intention. Let her feel through your touch that she is cherished, that her body, heart, and mind are treasures to you.

Never allow anger to cloud your judgment. When tempers flare, remember that words spoken in anger can never truly be taken back. Take a breath, step back, and remember that peace is more important than proving a point. She deserves your patience, your gentleness, even in moments of frustration.

Never let her feel alone in her struggles. Stand by her side when life feels heavy for her, be her shoulder when she needs to lean on someone. Remind her that she doesn't have to carry her burdens alone, that you’re there to share the weight. Being her support in tough times is one of the greatest expressions of love.

Never let routine dull the spark between you. Make time for the small gestures, the unexpected surprises, the sweet words that make her heart flutter. A relationship thrives when both partners continually choose to water the garden of love, even after the initial passion fades. Keep the romance alive with effort and intention.

Never ignore her dreams and aspirations. Her goals and desires are just as valid as yours. Support her in achieving what she’s set her heart on, and be her biggest cheerleader. When she knows that you believe in her potential, she’ll feel empowered to reach new heights, knowing you’re by her side.

Never stop communicating with her. Silence can create distance, and distance can lead to misunderstanding. Keep the door to honest conversations open, even when the topics are difficult. Let her know she can come to you with her fears, her joys, her doubts, and her dreams, and that you’ll listen with an open heart.

Never forget that love is a choice you make every single day. Choose to be kind, choose to be patient, choose to be present. Every day is a new opportunity to show her just how much she means to you. Never let a day go by without letting her feel loved, seen, and valued."

 "When a man is gentle, soft, and consistently respects you, that's when your nervous system starts healing. That's why some women have that special glow when they're being loved right in a relationship. It’s not the love itself, it's the emotional safety that comes with being cherished and valued. The way a man creates a space where you feel seen and heard without judgment changes everything. It helps you breathe easier, smile deeper, and feel a sense of peace that you might have forgotten even existed.

When a man is patient with your emotions and embraces your vulnerability, it allows you to trust him deeply. It’s in those moments when he chooses understanding over frustration that you feel the weight of past pain lifting. His presence becomes a soothing balm to the wounds you’ve carried, and slowly, the pieces of your heart start to come together again. His patience is like a steady anchor amidst the storm, giving you the stability to navigate your inner world with newfound courage.

When a man stands by you during your hardest days, it teaches your nervous system that not every expression of pain will push him away. Instead, his consistency becomes a reminder that you are not too much, that your struggles are not a burden. It’s in his ability to stay through the rough patches that you learn to lean into love without the constant fear of abandonment. His loyalty becomes a foundation upon which you can rebuild your sense of security.

When a man speaks kindly, even in the face of disagreements, it softens your defenses. The way he chooses words that build bridges instead of walls tells you that he values connection over conflict. His gentleness diffuses the tension, making you feel safe to express yourself without fear of being attacked. This kind of communication heals wounds left by harsh words from the past, allowing you to feel at ease in his presence.

When a man shows genuine interest in your thoughts, your dreams, and your fears, it validates your entire being. It’s more than just listening; it’s about making you feel like what you say matters. His attentiveness sends a message to your nervous system that your voice deserves to be heard, that you are not invisible. This recognition helps you embrace your worth and rediscover your inner light, knowing that your existence is valued.

When a man offers reassurance during moments of self-doubt, it creates a sense of safety that allows you to bloom. His words become a reminder that you are enough, even when you feel far from it. With each assurance, he helps dismantle the inner critic that has held you captive for so long. His belief in you becomes a source of strength, helping you step into the fullness of your potential.

When a man respects your boundaries and honors your pace, it gives your nervous system the time it needs to trust again. He understands that healing is not a race, and his respect shows that he’s willing to walk alongside you without rushing the process. This patience cultivates a deeper sense of intimacy, where you feel comfortable being your authentic self without the pressure to change or hurry.

When a man celebrates your growth and acknowledges the progress you’ve made, it makes you feel truly seen. His support encourages you to keep evolving, knowing that your efforts are recognized and cherished. It’s not about perfection for him, but about being present through every stage of your journey. His appreciation for who you are becoming helps you embrace yourself with more love and acceptance.

When a man prioritizes your emotional well-being, it teaches you that you deserve to be cared for in a healthy way. His actions show that your peace matters to him, that your comfort is a priority. It creates a space where you can finally rest without carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. This type of love doesn’t demand exhaustion; it offers a sanctuary where you can recharge and feel safe.

When a man chooses to grow with you instead of growing apart, it strengthens your bond. His willingness to work through challenges together shows that he’s invested in a shared future, not just in the good times but in the messy ones too. This commitment helps you trust the relationship more deeply, knowing that you are building something solid and enduring. His dedication to growth nurtures a connection where both hearts can heal and flourish together." 

 

 The following was written by a homeless man that took his life about a year after he wrote this, here's some real insight into the homeless issue. 

   R.I.P Michael Wesley Collins, he took his own life Wednesday, this is what he wrote about  homelessness at the end of November 2018.

"Homelessness is no joke. Taking a journey through being homeless and penniless has given me a new perspective on what hardships homeless people endure. Once you're in it, it's very, very difficult to escape. You run into chicken-egg problems again and again and it leads to an inevitable downward spiral. For example, you can't get a job because you're homeless and you're homeless because you can't get a job. 

Imagine having no car, being filthy and trying to show up to a job interview. It's impossible, and you come into a hopeless downward spiral. The homeless shelters are awful places where they pack people in like sardines in bunk beds, and everyone there is in a dark state of hopelessness.

The social services in the USA are a joke and they don't provide enough support to even live, let alone give you an opportunity to dig yourself out of a hopeless hole. Welfare amounts to almost nothing, not even enough to buy food, let alone establish an apartment or residence, and it's quite difficult to get as well, and the system is unforgiving for missed appointments, which can happen quite easily when you don't have a home or money for transportation. Again, it's part of the vicious cycle.

Often there is a waiting list to even get into a homeless shelter. In San Diego for example, the wait list is 1 month, so you must sleep on the street for a month before being considered to sleep in a crowded room. To receive government-assisted housing, the wait list is 2 years! If you become homeless in the richest country in the world, you would wait 2 years for relief!

People are immensely cruel to the homeless as well, many of whom suffer from a psychiatric condition that they cannot help. Often families reject people with psychiatric conditions with the misunderstanding that they could be dangerous in some way, but most often they are sensitive souls who also often connect with higher spiritual energies.

I am still homeless, though I'm continuing to fight my way out, but thankfully I still have some generous friends and haven't yet sunk so low that I cannot escape, though I remain on the precipice. 

I will say that I will kill myself before I fall into that level of despair, and I fight daily to keep myself from this fate, but often I must choose between difficult options. I have also endured an immense amount to trauma during this experience, and the idea of taking time for healing is ridiculous considering that I must navigate getting basic needs met like food and shelter with the onset of winter coming.

Please keep me and all other homeless in your prayers, but action is needed even more than prayer. If you see homeless, or know of someone on the brink of homelessness, please have compassion for them and give to them generously. You have no idea of the circumstances that led to their condition, as this world can be a cruel and unforgiving place.

I have a master's degree, high intelligence, and a variety of high-value skills, but I still wound up homeless and if you understood the story and reasons why, it would make perfect sense, and you would also understand that I had no control of the events that led to this place. It was a complex series of events that caused it, and it can truly happen to anyone."

Have compassion for those who have fallen into this horrible state of despair."

 Beth Cavete:

“Men are made in the image of God, 

and their sexual desire, while it CAN be utterly profane, 

is not nearly as disconnected from the rest of their psyche as the narrative goes.

Respect, acceptance, downtime, being understood, being treated as adequate, comforting human touch, being heard…

things that they often have less language to express than women do…

are needs that too often get funneled into one easily identified channel: sex.

Men are not Neanderthals or animals, 

though the devil seeks to reduce them to that thru sin.  

Men are whole, brilliantly deep, glorious beings, 

and ASTONISHINGLY 

come alive, multi-dimensionally, through the faithful love and kindness of women.

  

I was amazed to see what my boys needed from me when I became a mother, 

amazed at the tenderness of these fierce, tiny souls.  

I was dumbstruck by the deficit they would carry if I couldn’t afford to feed their hearts—how my encouragement and delight and awe and joy was what they thrived on.

The longings of a man’s heart are so far beyond being merely sexual, 

but sin deadens and dulls to nothingness and profanity, 

making foul what is holy.  

Sin, not manhood, is the problem. 

A man who has given up on everything else and whose heart has hardened to rock, 

is still stuck with biological urges. 

That’s not all he is, 

it may just be all that’s left.

So many men have never been treated like they’re holy, worthy of attention, 

an unfolding mystery, glorious, laden with mysterious potential and capacity.  

But they are.

  

If you know my writing, you know I HATE sexual sin and the denigration of women.  

But I believe ALL of it starts with profanity:  despising the glory of God in His image-bearers, 

and while lust obviously profanes the image of God in women, 

so does reducing men down to their basest form, their greatest vulnerability, 

agreeing with the devilish lie that their sexuality is merely selfish, singular, vile:  

that they have no hearts to break or needs to be met, 

and forgetting whose image they bear.

  

Men are whole beings, and their Savior KNOWS them, 

having been in every way tempted (not just by lust but by rejection, loneliness, derision, boredom, futility, terror…) as they are, and yet without sin.  

I have never seen chains broken by the lash of a whip. 

Jesus, who understands ALL, is the answer to the cries of desperate souls."

 "In general, we know the wise man will be better off than the fool. But for that reason, is the fool to be wretched, utterly crushed down, and left in all the suffering which his conduct and capacity naturally inflict? Not so! 

What do you suppose fools were made for? That you might tread upon them, and starve them, and get the better of them in every possible way? By no means! They were made that wise people might take care of them. That is the true and plain fact concerning the relations of every strong and wise man to the world about him. He has strength given him, not that he may crush or ignore the weak, but that he may support and guide them. In his own household he is to be the guide and support of his children; out of his household he is still to be the father, that is, the guide and support of the weak and the poor, not merely of the meritoriously weak and the innocently poor, but of the guiltily and punishably poor; of the men who out to have known better; of the poor who ought to be ashamed of themselves."  John Ruskin. 

 

 "But lo! Her twinkling eye is bright with love from heaven,’

In every look it beams with praise, as worshipping with angels;

What honeycomb is hived upon her lips, eloquent of gratitude and prayer, ---

What triumph shrined serene upon her brow,

What glory flickering transparent under those smiling cheeks,

What beauty in her face: --- Is it not the face of an angel?”

Martin F. Tupper.

I can't think of anything so captivating as virtue exuding joy.

Rare today, no doubt, but when one comes across it, I think Tupper's poetic description nearly describes it.

It's why we love children and they have so much power over us.