The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Compassion (05/23/24)
FOREWORD: I was driving home from one of my daughter’s volleyball events and I found myself in deep thought about the progression of my son’s addiction…...and the healing properties of time. After years of fluctuating emotions of fear, shame, deep sadness, denial, and anger it had occurred to me that I could finally talk about my son’s addiction without negative feelings. I just told my story with facts, honesty and compassion.

I no longer worried about judgement.

It was on this drive home that I realized how freeing it was. I also realized that I am selective when I tell someone my story. Unless I feel there is purpose in sharing, I won’t. It’s a waste of my breath and energy to share my story with someone that doesn’t genuinely understand addiction or has preconceived ideas about addicts (In honesty, that used to be me). The one thing I am always amazed and saddened about is how addiction has touched almost everyone in some way. I’ve heard stories from daughters, sisters, uncles, co-workers and grandparents. We seem to have an instant bond........a bond of compassion.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Sharing Compassion

When I share with you the story of my son and his chains
It’s because I might need prayer or maybe I see your familiar pains
It still amazes me the purpose every time my story is told
I’ve learned that addiction has touched almost every household

For those who hide in shame, there is freedom when you share
Find someone you really trust or you might fall into despair
Allow your emotions to be seen and your heart to be revealed
You must never lose hope for your heart to start being healed

For those who stand in judgement, it is instantly apparent
Your words might speak compassion, but your eyes are transparent
Your fake concern is seen, you think I did something wrong as a mother
Arrogance has blinded you from feeling empathy for another

For those who genuinely know the pain addiction creates
We seem to instantly bond; we understand these heavy weights
We know the relief of rejoicing every time we hear their voice
We pray they choose sobriety; having hope is a daily choice

For those who stand in prayer for the addicted and the pained
You are most important in bringing freedom to the chained
Imagine every addict you see as your sister, your father, your son
If these words have made you feel this, then my job here is done
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 220 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marlene Custer 
06/04/24
Thank you for sharing. As one who has walked the path of a loved one’s addiction, you have touched my heart. May we always be ready to extend true compassion.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/05/24
This is a powerful piece that just about everyone can relate to. Just a couple of minor things: ellipses should only be 3 dots. Another note is when referring to a person you should use who not that (someone who doesn't understand). The poem is quite lovely. You've done a fine job of writing on topic while delivering a clear message.