The Cries of a Mother

Here's an email I received from a mom who is out of ideas on how to help her son.

Hi,
I am wanting to get in touch with you regarding my son, who has been struggling for years since about the time he was 12 yrs. old. He is 21 yrs. old now. He has been in trouble over the years. He quit school in 10Th grade. I just have to do something. How can I just let him drink and use pot, etc. in the house. I was going to give him an option of getting some help or finding some place else to live because I just can't watch him destroy his life. He was caught shoplifting recently and has been in a very tumultuous relationship with a girl.
I am a single mother and this is very hard for me to do because I'm afraid of what may happen to him. But he seems to be getting worse. His father was a heroin addict who remarried and moved away a few years ago to another state.
I don't really think he wants help at this point but he believes it is his destiny to end up in prison. I went through so much with his father and it is so hard to watch him now do similar things. He talks about ending his life at times.


Here's my reply email.

Hi
It's always difficult when someone is not ready to change or even contemplating change anytime in the near future. This makes a step of intervention difficult but that is an option we can do. I would be more than willing to meet with your son or with the two of you if you think he would agree to that. Another option would be to see if he would be willing to check out the group we have on Tuesday nights. There are several guys there in his age range who have been in prison and are seeking to change their lives through a relationship with Jesus Christ. At the same time we have a women's group made of of moms and spouses of addicts and women caught
in addiction. I think this would be a great place for you to share your heart, your hurts and your hopes.
When is a good time that we could talk by phone to see what an appropriate next step would be.
In Him,
Dave

This is typical of the cries of loved ones that we receive at 'Etsah Ministries every week. Also, more and more pastors have begun to call us and say they are getting these types of calls and emails and don't feel equipped to respond.

To meet these needs 'Etsah Ministries not only offers intervention, individual and family counseling and group counseling. We also refer many people into short or long term programs if that option fits their need to get "out of the storm" of addiction and into a safe place where they can see things from a different perspective.

We also provide workshops and presentations tailored to meet the needs of your church, community or culture and assist you in starting up or expanding ministry into addictions in your church. If you would like additional information please email or call at your convenience.