A few nights ago, I tuned into the Hope House 40th Anniversary Mass.
This celebration was live streamed from the chapel at The Friary - not how
they would have imagined such a celebration. Yet, in the midst of these
current times they, like so many, are continuing to provide light, hope, and
recovery in the midst of darkness. It got me thinking about all the folks I
love who are living in recovery and those who are still battling the disease
of addiction.
In my time as a Chaplain at a drug and alcohol treatment center, I often
used songs and art to open up conversation in group settings. One of my
go to songs was Travelin' Light by Dierks Bentley and Brandi Carlile. This
was in Nashville after all, so it had to be a country song! I wanted to share
that one with you today. One of the most common conversations I had as a
Chaplain was around forgiveness, especially when individuals were
struggling to forgive themselves. We put on this song more than once in
my office. Here are some of the lyrics...
Don't lay the blame on anyone else
I'm always last to forgive myself
Well starting over is overdue
And these old boots sure feel brand new
I'm travelling light
I'm laying it down
All those demons I know I keep dragging round
I'm cutting the ties
I'm dropping the weight
With all my hurt and my regrets and my mistakes
I'm tired of living oh unforgiven
So I'm travelling light
On one particular day one of the women said,
"I love that 'traveling light' means a few different things. Y'know, it means
that I need to let down some of the stuff I've done wrong, it means I need to
travel with less guilt and shame, it means I have to travel through the
world with God's light, and that I need to remember that there is a light
inside me, because I think it's still in there."
It was definitely still there. It shone bright.
Friends, I am grateful for the light that shines in each of you, the light that
you carry to others, and the defiant hope that each of us are living out in
these days. Will you join me in prayer?
Let's pray...
God of light, light of the world, we give you thanks for faith, hope, and
love. We pray in particular today for our siblings struggling with addiction.
May they be led to the path of recovery, the path that offers freedom. We
give you thanks for the treatment centers, online meetings, and many ways
that support is still being provided in the recovery community. Help us to
see the divine light in all our siblings and to shine your light forth. May we
travel light, travel in the light, and journey on with you. In the name of our
Risen Lord, Amen.
Pastor Ashley