Frank C.'s choice of painkillers was alcohol. And his pain was so great that he used to mainline vodka directly into his stomach to get his buzz. The most extreme alcoholic I ever saw, and yet I know Frank didn't set out to be one. A gifted musician and good friend, he started with just a few, and escalated from there. When I last saw him he was a lost, lonely, and broken person. And my heart still breaks for him.
No one sets out to be an alcoholic-"I can control my drinking they say." And finally when their family and careers are in ruin do they listen. I was reminded of this fact today as another good friend, a brother, has succumbed to drink. And so far it has only cost him his family, his wife is filing for divorce and taking the kids, and his business, which is doing great in this economy will also suffer. All because he just had to have a drink.
Thirty years ago Theresa and I gave up drinking-pouring a full quart of Cuervo Tequila and a case of Busch beer down the sink. No waiting until it was gone-we stopped NOW! And haven't touched it since. The first reason was it was hurting our Christian witness. We cared more that someone would see Jesus in us than the freedom to drink would give us-and we can drink-we choose not to. I also want nothing to get between me and God, our relationship is that important. And like I told my son Christopher the other night-I want nothing to come between us. How would both of us feel if he needed me and I had been drinking and couldn't help? A question I never want to answer. So I don't-drink. And any one of the above reasons is good, and the rewards great.
As I sat in court supporting a couple whose son is on trial, alcohol induced problems, I talked to another man, Eldon, who was going to court. A Christian man, who only drank once, and got caught for a DUI that has ruined his life. Professionally his underlings can't look up to him, he had been demoted. The court knew of him, and now his reputation is damaged-they can't believe he got drunk. Imagine what his witness is like to those lost? Thank you sir, may I have another? Will we ever get it?
And as I deal with men and women whose families, careers, and lives are in ruin, I wonder is it worth it? Not for me. And like I shared with a girl at the Honor Run, she asked if I could drink in my club? Are there rules? My answer-no rules, I can if I want. I can also cheat on my wife, do drugs, and break any laws I want to. My answer was simple-and is simple. I CHOOSE NOT TOO! It is a choice. And based on basic business principals, I.e. if your opponent is drinking-don't. It gives you an edge. As Larry Peoples, hit man and now saved by the grace of God tells girls-DON'T! Don't put yourself in a position where you can be taken advantage of. Good advice from a man who killed 28 for profit, and 7 for revenge. But now saved by grace.
You only drink to get a buzz. Sorry-no excuses. And the breweries know it. Six packs replaced by 12 and 24 packs. Liquor by the half gallon, wine by the case. And eventually it leads to ruin.
Have you ever met a person who was a total loser, then becoming a drunk saved his life? Or made it better? Or just had a few before bed? Or killed a bottle of wine with dinner? Stop the excuses and turn it over to Christ. I did 30 years ago with no regrets. No hangovers, no DUI, no ruined relationships or careers because of it. Today I love the sinner, but hate the sin. I do not condone it, but will not condemn you either. You will be caught in your own sin-just like the Bible says.
Good Lord it's morning-or good morning Lord tell about last night. I like falling asleep with God, and then seeing him first thing in the morning. Beer didn't make Bud wiser, just richer. Start your own savings plan today with the money you used to drink with. Could just be enough for that new chrome thingie you desire for your Harley-or the new ride you desire. Ride safe and sober. Stupid hurts, don't let it kill and destroy. Self induced stupidity is the worst. Let your friends accuse you of self proclaimed smarts. And you can be there for them, just like Jesus-when you are needed. Do not be deceived-bad company corrupts good morals. Be a good company-and stay in good company, with Christ.
love with compassion,
Mike
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