Meet Cindy and Jared.
Cindy became a part of our Thrive community over five years ago. At the time, her son Jared, a veteran grappling with significant trauma, was without a home, and had, at one point, disappeared for months, turning to substances to numb the pain of his past. Despite well-intentioned advice from friends and family to sever ties with Jared, believing he needed to "hit rock bottom," Cindy found solace and acceptance within our community. Here, she discovered the freedom to love her son unconditionally.
With newfound support, Cindy began rebuilding her relationship with Jared. Every week, she would pick him up from a nearby gas station, and together, they'd retreat to the park, walking, talking, and sharing meals. This ritual not only provided Cindy with peace of mind but also reignited hope within Jared. Before long, Cindy started bringing Jared's nieces and nephews along, introducing him to the unwavering love of these innocent souls, far more accepting than many adults.
Through fostering connection and employing the communication skills learned from our process, Cindy gently guided Jared toward considering a non-traditional path to recovery. And remarkably, after these conversations, Jared finally reached out for help.
In the five years since, Cindy's entire family has embraced the principles of Thrive: compassion, empathy, and kindness. Recently, Cindy's granddaughter recounted an incident at school where she was bullied by a classmate. When Cindy inquired about her feelings, the granddaughter responded with wisdom beyond her years: "I just had to remember that his behaviors make sense, and there's a reason he's so sad. I don't think he's a bad person, Grandma; I think he needs some love."
This anecdote underscores the transformative power of empathy and understanding, passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. Jared, now four years into his recovery journey, pays it forward by organizing mountain bike rides for veterans and others in need of community, fostering healing through shared experiences.
In families like Cindy's, where positive recovery strategies are embraced collectively, magic happens, and lives are transformed.
He asks, "Do you trust me?"
I say "Of course Lord, I trust you."
He says, "Do you really really trust me?"
He says, "Then surrender. Let me handle this. I am fighting this battle for you in waysyou can't even imagine!"
I say, "Yes Lord" as I wave my white flag!
And then... He turns to my loved one and says:“
Call to me and I'll answer....
I'll be by your side in bad times...
I'll rescue you....”
Words that I hold on to tightly. Words that I pray. Words of comfort and hope.
February 27, 2024 Our Prayer for our Loved One today:
Psalm 91:1-16 MSG [1-13] God , you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right---he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you--- under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm....Yes, because God 's your refuge, ...Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. [14-16] "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God , "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you...I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"
Abba Father...We come before you on behalf of our children, our families... because you are our refuge and our hope in times of trouble. Lord, we ask today that (our loved one) would trust in you and (he/she) would be safe! Lord, rescue (our loved one) from hidden traps, shield (him/her) from all the deadly hazards in (his/her) life! With your HUGE outstretched arms we pray protection over (our loved one) that under You (he/she) would be perfectly safe and that Your arms would fend off all harm. YES God! Because You are a refuge we pray that no evil would even be able to come close to (our loved one) and that NO harm would be able to get through the door of your protection. Lord, we ask that you would order your angels to guard over (our loved one) wherever (he/she) goes. Lord, if (our loved one) stumbles, we ask that You angels will catch (him/her) and keep (him/her) from falling. Lord, we believe that if (our loved one) will hold on to YOU for dear life You will help (him/her) out of (his/her) troubles! Lord, we believe that you will care for (him/her) if the only trust in You! Lord, we pray that (our loved one) will call on you and you will answer (him/her) and you will be by (his/her) side through ALL of the bad times. Lord, we ask that you would rescue (our loved one) today and that you will give (our loved one) a long life and the long drink of salvation. Lord, we believe these words today! In Jesus name we pray! Amen
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To listen to the audio version of this prayer, click here: https://bit.ly/35X1Wml
