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matt
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Posted: Wed Dec 7th, 2005 07:57 pm |
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Wow, what a major emotional night last night was. I began a conversation with my little sister who, unfortunately is alot like me. I had a battle with alcohol earlier in my life and was hoping not to ever have to deal with it again. However, we began talking and come to find out, she's just starting to have a pretty big struggle with it. I'm trying to be supportive and understanding, but I don't think I can sit back and watch her ruin years of her life, like I did. We've not had a super close relationship, but she's always sort of looked up to me.
Any experiences and/or prayers would be greatly appreciated.
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In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
-Blaise Pascal
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captivated
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Posted: Thu Dec 8th, 2005 09:54 am |
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Hey, I got your backs in prayer.  I have a heart for where your sister may be at and thank God for revealing this to you now, since God's obviously given you His heart for your sister. I only know that whether it's alcohol, drugs, food, sex, workaholism, compulsive exercise, or relationships....anything can be the thing we run to to stuff the underlying wounds and pain, causing us to believe the lies we have about God and ourselves. I'll ask God to shine His light of healing on those places.....and to give you wisdom and discernment here....to open your sister's eyes to these things as well and that His love would flow through you in a way she'll be able to receive. Honestly, I've not worked first hand with an alcoholic....only with the behaviors of having had alcoholic grandparents in family members. 
With Prayer,
captivated
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captivated
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Posted: Thu Dec 8th, 2005 02:21 pm |
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Just wanted to add a bit more which came to me when I was out and about with my kids. One resource which may be helpful in exposing some of the lies and replacing them with truths is something Neil Anderson has put together and I can't remember if it's in his book called "The Bondage Breaker" or "Victory Over Darkness," but he's compiled a spiritual inventory of sorts, which is very freeing to read and pray through. You can also purchase it as a booklet called "7 Steps to Freedom in Christ." Amidst it, there's a section of scriptural truths concerning who God is, the Bible, what He's done for us, etc..... and at the end is a portion of scriptural truths concerning who we are to Him. For example, the enemy loves to condemn us and tell our hearts we're not loved or valued when God tells us in His word we are holy (through Christ's blood) and dearly loved.....treasured even.....that He's very much alive and interested in penetrating our human existance every day with His care, compassion and radical freeing love. Okay, so some John Elderedge flare got into my response..... Just thought this resource might help. "Captivating" by John and Staci Elderedge may also be of value. Again, I'll pray for her more. Gotta go salt our path before our kids get home!
captivated
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mike
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Posted: Thu Dec 8th, 2005 07:32 pm |
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Captivated, you're an awesome blessing on these boards. Having a prayer warrior who will support those who struggle here is fantastic - more than most have.
Thank you.
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captivated
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Posted: Fri Dec 9th, 2005 04:10 am |
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Thank you for your kind words, Mike. I just know what it is to feel alone in things and to need and be blessed by others who will journey with you and war for you in prayer. You know that verse about ministering to others out of our own persevering/trials? Anyway, it is wonderful how He hears and answers, too!!! The others on the forums bless me as well!!!
captivated 
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matt
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 3rd, 2005 |
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Posted: Wed Dec 14th, 2005 01:08 pm |
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One thing I'm struggling with heavily in this situation is how hands on that I need to be. My natural response to any potentially explosive situation is to stand as far away as possible to not be hit by the blast if it blows. But, I also know that when I was in her shoes, if someone tried to intervene, I just turned another direction and put them out of my life.
However, given my natural response, I don't want to stand off and watch her throw herself over a waterfall, all the while standing back and saying I hope you'll turn around and row upstream, but not rowing out to get her. I also understand that unless she wants to be rescued it will only push her further towards the falls if I try to force myself out there.
I struggle very much with how deeply to get involved.
____________________
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
-Blaise Pascal
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captivated
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Posted: Wed Dec 14th, 2005 01:25 pm |
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Did you sense her sharing anything with you of this was a cry for help in any way? What was it that turned you around in this area?
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Praise6
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Posted: Wed Dec 14th, 2005 08:15 pm |
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You say that struggled earlier in your life? How did you find your way out? Have you shared this with her?
I have 19 1/2 years of sobriety from alcohol. I remember is all like yesterday. Intervention, consequences, tough love and prayer. There is not much more that can be done.
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