Rehab and humility.
Lindsay Lohan was just arrested - again - after recently leaving rehab for the second time in her 21 year old life. Robert Downey Jr. went through this up and down process as well, although now he seems to have found some stability in his life.
The success of rehab is of course, recognizing one has a problem, along with some real motivation to change one’s life. But nothing works without humility, which usually comes when someone reaches absolute bottom - but not always. My brother felt that rehab was filled with a bunch of losers, and he sure wasn’t going to attend any support group after he left rehab, with the same low-lifes he had to be nice to in the treatment center. My brother died of alcohol related disease at the age of 45, he never got over his addiction.
One cannot make any progress without humility - no matter what the sins or faults, diseases or addiction one suffers from.
July 24th, 2007 at 9:43 am
This is why I love Psalm 51 which we pray every Friday for the Office.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
This really hits home today. My husband’s uncle is dying from a bunch of things, pretty much all self-imposed. My husband and I were very close to this uncle and my husband’s aunt until recently when the uncle’s ranting became unbearable. We still visit and try to socialize with him, but he is so consumed with self-pity, hostility and anger that even his wife is being alienated. He has emphysema, drinks constantly, sleeps all day and up all night, and doesn’t hardly eat right. Doc told him he had a year to live if he continued on this way. Nothing changed, in fact, it got worse. It emboldened him almost to continue on this destructive path. He has had many blessings in his life, but never was able to see or appreciate them as he always felt like everyone else had more or had it easier than he did. Only prayers can help him since all interventions have been ignored. May Our Lady soften his heart and give him peace.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Monica, Yes, my brother was like tht too. Prayer is the only help I think.
Jeron, I think you are a saint.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Jeron, in the traditional monastic Office according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, Psalm 50 is prayed every day at the beginning of Lauds. A daily resurrection to newness of life!