I saw the sign posted at a Burger King on a Facebook page and just knew it would end up being the topic of one of our groups. Sure enough it happened twice this week. The actual wording of the sign:
Why eat with a clown when you can dine with a king? My disclaimer is that I actually still eat at both although my health says I need to stay away. The message in the topic is that for too many years those of us in an addictive lifestyle need to stay away from the clowns that are dragging us down to become a clown and move toward a relationship with God that allows us to dine with a king. In that topic I talk about how my younger days led me to think I was not enough, was never gonna be enough and always wanted more. More to achieve, more to make me feel like more.......you can fill in the blanks here of all the dysfunctional things I did to get there. Then I found more actually provides less. This was the root of my addiction which all of us need to find if we are to stay clean, joyous and free. There was so much more than a blog can contain but I used the Parable of the Prodigal Son as an example of two sons who felt like they did not get enough from their father. Both wanted more though one toughed it out until he had to ventilate. (Look at Luke 15:29). In the fathers reaction to his wayward son coming home and to his other son's complaint there seemed to be a complete family reconciliation in a representation of how much God loves us despite our past behavior and many flaws. Truth is only God alone is enough to satisfy our deepest needs that may not always match up with our greatest wants. As a reminder check out the Rolling Stones song, "You can't always get what you want but if you try, sometimes you get what you need." So, the thought that we need to eat with clowns (or pigs as the prodigal son did) to get what we want (when we realize that more = less), is completely cunning and baffling. Read Revelations 3:19-20: Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." That's what I call dining with a King!
1 Comment
Jessica B
4/17/2024 11:43:28 am
I think this is so true when we try to "entertain" the notion that some people we used to be around and do drugs with are still ok to meet up with just to see how they are doing. In a world with social media subject to scrutiny about the open window look at people's lives through a click of a button, I think it can be a good thing to use those opportunities when self-evaluating whether or not this is a good idea on how things are progressing or changed in the lives of people we lose connection with. Sometimes, I see people whom I hear from others are doing great in career but no one talks about the darker or lighter side of their road in sobriety. It wasn't just looking outwardly into cyber world of memes and videos that were relatable anymore. I started taking a look at people and the lives they presented through pictures and posts, deeply thinking about wow look at the joy or inspiration of positive thought they are applying and sharing with others rather than borderline content that promotes habits leading to relapse.
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Glenn YankowskiGlenn is an ex-Marine Viet Nam vet who is also a recovering alcoholic, clean and sober for 30 years. He has been involved in start up and ongoing recovery ministry at North Atlanta Church and Campus for the last two decades. He has a passion for outreach and to spread the message that the answer to lasting and fulfilling recovery from addiction is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He and the ATB team are available to assist in your questions or needs on an individual basis and will do so maintaining complete confidentiality. You may e-mail him at sgtski@bellsouth.net. Archives
May 2024
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