People in Recovery Deserve Our Compassion, Not Our Judgment
- Holly Murdoch
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
By Marsha Williamson, CEO Emeritus
During National Recovery Month, we have an opportunity to reflect on how we treat those who struggle with substance use. It can be easy to meet them with disdain or distrust because of the choices they have made. I once had those same feelings about my own son, who suffered from the disease of addiction.
Working for over 10 years at Dallas 24 Hour Club completely changed my heart. I began to see our Residents as worthy human beings in a life and death struggle with their addiction, people taking huge steps to recover and turn their lives around. My compassion and understanding for them began to overflow.
Recently, my husband surprised me with a plan to sell our home of 39 years and buy a new one, all in less than seven weeks. We quickly realized we could not manage the move without a lot of help. We decided to hire several men from The 24 to help us clean out, pack, and move. What a blessing they were. Not only were they some of the hardest workers I have ever seen, but I also got to see their true hearts and their earnest desire to change their lives.
As we worked side by side, we talked about the shame they felt about their past and the hopes and dreams they had for the future. I am so grateful for the new friendships I made and for how they showed me that people can change. My prayers are with each of them as they seek long-term sobriety.
Please do not miss the opportunity to share life with someone who is struggling. You might just experience a transformational change of your own and witness theirs as well.