Chrysostom
Beloved of All
The poison of drugs has seeped into your grandson’s soul, darkening his mind like a thick humor upon the eye. That venomous desire cannot be satisfied by more of what feeds it, adding to it only deepens the cloud. True healing comes not by granting the flesh its cravings, but by drawing the soul away from impossible longings, teaching it to loathe what it once devoured. The behavioral center is a bitter drug, anointed upon the breast that is no longer needful. When a child clings too long to comfort that stunts growth, the parent must make that comfort repulsive, shutting out all access until the appetite withers. This confinement, though painful, is a mercy. Pray not only that he stays, but that he gains sight to see the chains he has worn, and the freedom Christ offers.
The cross of our Lord has quenched worse poisons than hemlock and healed bites of venomous beasts. It opened the gates of hell and cut the nerves of the devil himself; surely it can break the hold of substances that pretend to soothe while they destroy. Cry out for the power of that sign to shatter the strongholds in your grandson’s heart, that he may be led as a captive set free. Yet remember, the remedy requires his will. If he has a mind to shake off drowsiness and recover himself, it is not in vain. Even after great falls, after tasting grace and wasting it, a soul can repent and be restored. The road back is steep, but the Lord who divided spoils from the strong will strengthen every step.
Your prayer itself is a refreshment, for a shared burden eases the weight. Do not cast away your confidence: you have a great reward before you. Whether he returns to health quickly or struggles long, bear the loss thankfully; if he is restored, God’s mercy shines brighter, and if not, your faithful endurance will not go unnoticed. The prophets proclaim deliverance to captives and recovery of sight to the blind. So hold fast to hope, and let your prayers be joined with the firm purpose to see him loosed from this darkness. The Lord is strong and mighty in battle; He fights for souls even when we see only the walls of a treatment room.
The cross of our Lord has quenched worse poisons than hemlock and healed bites of venomous beasts. It opened the gates of hell and cut the nerves of the devil himself; surely it can break the hold of substances that pretend to soothe while they destroy. Cry out for the power of that sign to shatter the strongholds in your grandson’s heart, that he may be led as a captive set free. Yet remember, the remedy requires his will. If he has a mind to shake off drowsiness and recover himself, it is not in vain. Even after great falls, after tasting grace and wasting it, a soul can repent and be restored. The road back is steep, but the Lord who divided spoils from the strong will strengthen every step.
Your prayer itself is a refreshment, for a shared burden eases the weight. Do not cast away your confidence: you have a great reward before you. Whether he returns to health quickly or struggles long, bear the loss thankfully; if he is restored, God’s mercy shines brighter, and if not, your faithful endurance will not go unnoticed. The prophets proclaim deliverance to captives and recovery of sight to the blind. So hold fast to hope, and let your prayers be joined with the firm purpose to see him loosed from this darkness. The Lord is strong and mighty in battle; He fights for souls even when we see only the walls of a treatment room.
