Saturday, April 5, 2008

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?



Some of you may remember a song from the 60's by Jimmy Ruffin....What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?" Some of the lines of the song say things like the need to find peace of mind, I'll be searching everywhere.

Here are a few things that happen to the brokenhearted. They cry. They pray. They trust in the Lord with all their hearts, and lean not upon their on understanding.....Proverbs 3:5....because in their human hearts and minds, they do not understand.

They do not understand why their prodigal child who know what's right, chooses wrong. They do not know what should be said to the prodigal's growing children, your beloved grandchildren.

The MUST put on the full armor of God or they will go nuts. They MUST not trust in their imaginations and continually wonder not only what's happening, but what they could have done to make this turn out differently.

For more than half his life, my much loved child has been an addict. Sadly, the love of the drug is stronger than the love of his parents, his children, anyone who loves him. He seems to love the drug more.

What becomes of the brokenhearted? They live in homes like ours. They attempt to go about life with a smile, business as usual, but their child is never far from their minds. They pray. They are able to put their arms and hearts around other parents with similar problems.

They pray.

10 comments:

Needled Mom said...

It is a very heartbreaking experience. I have several friends with similar problems and I can only grieve and pray with them as they endure the agony. My prayers continue for you and his family.

Tonja said...

This is a problem that any one can face with no warning. We think we always know what our children are doing...but we only know what they want us to know. I so deeply feel your pain. I, too, know about putting on a happy face, and pretending you are coping well. All you really want to do is shout, "I'm drowning here...someone help...quick!"
But, truly, if they have not lived it, they can not begin to understand it. It is about broken hopes and dreams that you have had since the child was born. Great expectations that COULD be fulfilled, but AREN'T because the child is filling his empty spaces with poison. And why do they have such emptiness? Where did that come from?
I am so sorry. I am here to say that I hear you and your feelings are validated. Your pain is understood. Tour sorrow is felt.

But remember this...KINDLE HOPE. Even if it seems hopeless. God is still in control...He still answers prayer...and He still works miracles!

I am praying for you.

becky said...

I love your blog...your transparency! It's so hard to understand life sometimes...it sure ain't easy...the more I know, the less I know.

I'll be praying for you and your family!

Leslie: said...

Oh Nancy, I'm so sorry this is still going on. I "sort of" know what you mean, in that my younger daughter has been saddled with bipolar disorder and has to take medications, watch her stress level, can only work part time, and be careful with diet. It breaks my heart when she says to me, "I don't think I'll ever get ahead in life, like buy a car or go on a holiday." I just want her to be WELL - and normal, whatever that is. I will pray for your son and I know you'll pray for my daughter. Blessings to you.

Dawn said...

We are definitely a big club - those of us whose children have gone ways we never dreamed. Some of us have seen our prodigals return. Others have not. It is not impossible! It is just so difficult to wait.

Jo said...

Oh, gosh. I think you would have the support of a lot of people out there, who are in the same boat you are in. Drugs are so easy to get, and so hard to get rid of.

It can happen to anyone, and does. And we never stop worrying about our children, no matter how old they get.

mrsnesbitt said...

Popped here via leslies blog.
Indeed true.
I lost my mum in 1994 and I still miss her. I always wanted her to be proud of me...I hope I succeeded. As a teacher I see children bringing despair......I always share my thoughts of my mum. One day the words may alter somebody's outlook.

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying with you. Thank you for being open with your son's struggles and sharing with us. May we be committed to upholding you and your family in prayer.

Angela Baylis said...

I am praying for him and you today... AND tomorrow... and the next day! I'm not sure if you read my posts from last week or not, but I know a guy well who was THAT prodigal child and HE was saved just a month before he passed away last week. God can perform miracles and I'm Believing He will again!
Much love to you!
Angie xoxo

He Knows My Name said...

hi nancy, i am a parent of two beautiful children and have two prodigal children. i have been all over the map on what went wrong, as i'm sure you have too. i have no answers. tonja's words on these two posts are awesome and full of comfort. when i am tired of praying and hoping, i have to ask God to please reignite the flame of hope i once had. i know the all consuming heaviness you have been carrying for a long time. i'm sending you love and hugs. in Christ's name we are sisters and i will lift you up to Him. much love ~janel