They say that if you try to save someone who is drowning, and they begin to grab onto you in their panic, they can inadvertently pull you under as they struggle to save themselves. I recall a vivid experience from my childhood at our church, during a summer outing by the river. We were all having a great time swimming when suddenly, a lady from our church began to flail in the water. Our youth pastor and I quickly dove into the river to help her.
As we approached her, however, she didn’t relax; instead, in her desperation, she clung to us as if we were flotation devices. Her panic only intensified the situation, and we found ourselves in danger of drowning alongside her. It was a tense moment, and I vividly remember our youth pastor’s later recollection: if she didn’t stop fighting, the next time he surfaced, he would punch her in the nose to knock her out, believing that might be the only way to save all of us. It was a drastic measure, but in that moment, it was understood that sometimes, in the face of desperation, we must take bold action.
Fortunately, she eventually calmed down, allowing us to guide her back to shore safely. That experience left a lasting impression on me, highlighting not only the dangers of drowning but also the profound parallels it has with addiction.
When someone battles addiction, the struggle can mirror that frantic fight for survival. As we attempt to break free from the depths of addiction, the very substance (be it a drug, alcohol, pornography, etc..) we seek to escape can pull us deeper into despair. In those critical moments, it’s essential to recognize that we must confront our addiction head-on, much like the youth pastor’s drastic response. We must make a conscious decision to confront our demons with the same intensity we would use to survive a drowning.
Addiction can fight against us fiercely, but by standing firm and refusing to let it drag us under, we can reclaim our lives. Just like in the water, we need to find our strength, breathe, and take decisive action to ensure our survival. It’s a battle, but with resilience and support, we can emerge victorious and reach the safety of the shore.
Take what you like, and leave the rest.
Dean P.
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