Taking One Step At a Time Toward Recovery and Redemption
By Rosalyn Queen
This past week I had the privilege of attending the Lost And Found meeting. The meeting was held at Jackson’s Square on September 19. The meeting focused on drug addiction with testimonies from recovering addicts.
Situated at the front of the staging area were approximately forty plus photos of individuals who overdosed and lost their lives in Harrison County.
The event opened with a prayer from Rev. Willie Owen’s followed by a moving testimony from Nikki Bernard explaining what Lost and Found is. The Honorable Mike Aloi was a special speaker who enlightened those attending the impact drug abuse has on individuals, their families, and the community and how important it is to lend help to those addicted. Judge Aloi was followed by Senator Ben Queen. He shared from personal effects the family connection from addictions. Mike Queen, Fray Queen, Meredith Queen and Arthur and I were there in support of our family and all addicts.
Unless you have been personally affected you cannot realize the pain caused by drugs. You may think of all the material things that are lost but more importantly are the physical and mental things that are lost by the addict and those that love him. Addictions start with the addict, then move on to the family, to his friends and then to the community. From experience I have learned that no individual wants to be an addict. In most cases all of us have experienced an addiction. It may have been smoking, eating, gambling and the list goes on. This only makes us realize how hard it is to beat addictions. It is a day to day, hour to hour and sometimes minute to minute coping. Sheriff Matheny also spoke.
Worship music was presented by The World’s Most Dangerous Recovery Band of Celebrate Recovery at Clarksburg Baptist Church. Chase Lucas presented special music for the event.
Lou Ortenzio delivered remarks inviting individuals to join the Lost and Found movement in our area and the need to get involvement from those affected by addiction.
The event closed with a candlelight service.
On a personal note, I have been accused of being an enabler and perhaps I am, but recently I have learned that the addict can only do it themselves and most of all they must turn it over to our Lord. I have been told that I am not in charge and that is so true, there is someone bigger than me in charge. But I intend to stay involved with my support and love..
I send my love and prayers to all those suffering from addictions, do not give up, remember “One Step At A Time.”
Stay healthy, enjoy the beauty of Fall and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”