| Prayers for a Bridge Burner |
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This morning I grumbled and bumbled around, my usual Friday morning stuggle to get out of my lazy, selfish zone and into the car to head for my volunteer stint at the local Maternity Home. Somehow, even though I thought I was going to roll in about a half hour late, God did that miraculous thing with time and the clock in the car read 9:10 when I pulled up in front of the house.
Even before I got to the door I knew what had 'come down'-- there was an announcement, not unlike the ones that bailiffs put up on bankrupt businesses, instructing P. that she could find her belongings in such- and-such place, the strong inference being that she was not welcome back into the house.
"A little drama here?" I asked as the door was opened to me. Just as I had felt in my bones, P. had fallen off her commitment to be drug-free during this pregnancy. I listened to the story of conflict and violent lashing-out, fear and rage-- a micro-story of our sinful world.
I listened with empathy as they described the turbulence that this one individual introduced into the home, how unsafe they felt.
 Yes, policy will be changed. New admissions will have to have shown that they have completed their detox and rehab, particularly where noxious substances like crystal meth and heroin are concerned. A learning experience.
I privately reflect upon the sinners and reprobates described in the Bible-- the ones who came to Jesus. I think of myself at 25, the age of this troubled young woman. But for the grace of God, her story could well be my own.
The story continued. The night she wasn't welcomed back to the house she chose to take an offer from a kind old fellow, a Christian who is an ex-addict, and slept on his couch. The next morning he reported that she was gone, along with $300 and one of his credit cards. The police are alerted to this.
So tonight I find myself praying for this young woman with Spirit groanings, not really knowing what to pray. I would ask you to pray for her too, please. God will know who you mean if you call her P. Thank you, and may you be blessed this weekend! |
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