‘Just say no’ not heard enough

Here are three words we used to hear a lot: Just say no! We never heard how to say no. I don't remember hearing much about the consequences. Did anyone mention that some drugs tried only once can hook you for life or that some drugs tried only once can kill you because of all the awful things they are mixed with?

Now we have "Drugs Bring Death." We haven't come very far from the "just say no" era. Drugs do bring death - and not just death to the person using, but to their relationships with their families, friends and co-workers. Sooner or later, you'll find yourself doing things to people you care about that you never thought in your wildest dreams you'd be capable of, and neither did they. You've lost your job, your utilities are turned off, your car has been repossessed - all because your money went for drugs.

You've started stealing from your parents and borrowing things from friends that you know you'll never return because you are taking these things to the hoc shop. You've sold things that belonged to your grandparents that in your clean days meant everything to you. You are hiding from people who love you and from the drug dealer who hates you because he doesn't trust you either. You are as alone as you have ever been or ever will be.

Pray that the Lord will help you because he's the only one who can. We all have our own problems, and as much as we'd like to believe, we can't handle them. Jesus is the only one who can and he truly wants to help. You cannot do anything without him. When the Lord sets you free, you are free indeed.