What’s in a name? When you really reflect on it, a name defines and describes a great deal.
When I was younger, I knew that when my mom called me “David,” I was in trouble. I can still hear that stern, rebuking tone when she called my name. Otherwise, I was often called “Dave.” This is probably why I often introduce myself as Dave Cooke.
There has been much discussion about how we describe our addicted children. Are they addicts? Or, are they a person with an addiction. Seems like semantics, except one is a label and the other defines the condition.
When you attempt to define yourself, are you the parent of an addict? Or, are you the parent of a wonderful child currently battling their addiction? Again, it could be semantics; but, one describes a situation that expects empathy, sympathy and understanding.
This purpose of this article is not to engage in a debate about how to define or describe your personal situation. That is entirely up to you.
How you identify or label yourself does demonstrate a great deal about your perspective. Everyone goes through trials and tribulations. Children get sick. Some children are all-star athletes, some end up in jail, others become famous in their field, and unfortunately there are those who become infamous for entirely other reasons. What our children do or become does not define or describe us, or who we are. Our children’s lives are just a component of the story of our life.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5: 1-5 NKJV)
There is no shame or guilt in our journey with God. You are not defined by your children. You are not even defined by your own perceptions of failure or inadequacy. You are defined by God. He loves you, challenges you, molds you and saves you. Even more importantly, we are to glory in our tribulations; for that is God at work in our lives.
The next time you reflect on who you are, remember you are a child of God. You are on a journey. It is a journey is filled with obstacles, challenges and opportunity. Be joyful. Share the hope and love that comes with knowing that this experience is God’s way of strengthening you. And, don’t apologize or hide from your struggles, everyone has them. Your challenges can be a gift to others when you share with them how God’s love strengthened you along the way. And remember, it is only possible for others to learn from the power of God’s love in all aspects of your life when you are willing to share the entire story of your experiences as a child of God.
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Is your child addicted to drugs or alcohol? Are you trapped on the emotional rollercoaster of addiction? Dave Cooke can help. He’s an internationally recognized speaker who has made it his commitment to minister to parents struggling with addiction in their families. Let him share with you how to create an action plan that will move you, your family, and your addicted child in a healthier direction.
Contact Dave today to book him to speak at your church, parent’s group, business organization, or neighborhood association. Go to https://www.100pedals.com/speaker-dave-cooke/ for more information or email dave@100Pedals.com.
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