A sobering story of a life gripped by addiction
By Andy Denton on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 5:43 pm
Not many people will know the name Curtis Whitley. After seeing his name in the paper recently, I barely recognized it as well. But, the story about this man’s death was about a football player of which I was familiar. Curtis, in his prime, played for both of my favorite football teams - the Clemson Tigers, and the Carolina Panthers.
As the Charlotte Observer reported on his passing this past week, I couldn’t help but be drawn to his story. It’s a story that those with family members battling demons and drug and/or alcoholic addictions fear the most. After years riddled with extreme highs and frustrating lows, Curtis finally lost everything, moved to the desert in near isolation away from friends and family, and then ultimately died alone.
The story is really heartbreaking.
I wish I could accurately articulate all of my thoughts, and say something worthwhile. But, in the end, I believe the news story published today by the Observer says it all. It’s amazing the grip that addictions and emotions have on people. Personally, I don’t think anybody really knows the pains that the addict is going thru and must overcome. I’m sure it’s deep, it’s personal, and I’m convinced that it’s only something that the love of God can cure.
I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
– Psalm 121:1-2We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope.
– Romans 5:3-4
Dear God,
My greatest need, Oh Lord, is love.
Without love, life is not worth living.And, yet, as a part of You, the core of me is Love.
I have run from love, O God, because the price of love seems to be grief.
Here on Earth, we often lose who and what we love.
Awaken within me the courage to love, Glorious Father.As deeply and profoundly as Your Son loves us, as He loves You, as You love me.
Bring to me those who would love me truest and best.
For I am Your Beloved and deserve no less.
Awaken me to this immense truth. Enter me, now, Lord and reclaim me for all time.The power of my mind and Yours, together, is now joined with all who read and speak this prayer.
Together, WE claim love as our true nature and open our collective heart.
We are worthy. We are goodness incarnate. We love with all our hearts and are loved in return.
Each of us, together and apart, is now renewed in Your love.I accept this gift.
I choose love over fear, always.
By Your Grace, we—and I—rise out of the attractor fields of fear and separation and enter the attractor fields of love and connection.
The love within me is made new.I love myself. I love the earth. I love my life.
I love my heritage, my people, my world—indeed, all nations and peoples—deeply and profoundly.
I love You always and forever.
My actions reflect this love.Filled with awareness of my true identity, I thank You for this miracle.
I share my life with Beloveds who demonstrate Your love for me.
My love returns to me a thousand fold from every direction in kindness and care.
I am adored for who I really am. And I see the lovable in everyone.The energy of Love now expands exponentially in my world, empowering me as never before.
I empower others with the strength of my love.
I love my life deeply. Thank You for showing me the way home to myself.And so it is.
Amen.h/t: PrayerForce
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Comment from Kristin Frye-Gallaher
Posted on Monday, 19 May 2008 at 2:36 pm
God is truly amazing and leads us to all different people and places. I typed in best webdesigners in the world in google (I am trying desparately to get ideas for a Christian site I want to launch) and your name and information came up on top. So I clicked…imagine my surprise when I noted the Christianity topic (and then I had to reflect that there are no coincidences when you are a child of God!!) For some reason, I came to your site and read your first story of the tragedy of drug addiction..I don’t have to wonder, I am a miracle of the power of God. I can happily say I am a RECOVERED addict and I use that statement boldy defying Satan to remove the miracle. He can’t, he won’t even bother trying anymore. A God sent annointing of the Holy Spirit sent changes (soul shockwaves) that can never be comprehended unless it happens to you. The miracles are real and the feelings even more so. I just wish that my testimony can have an impact to those that have not been lost as this poor man. I was also amazed by a further statement in a later post about your “Christian Friend Finding”. I find myself more and more wanting to surround myself with healthy, wholesome people. Ah the healing power of God…amazing. “Once was lost, now am found” even deeper “Once was shattered and broken, now whole and complete” I like you thoughts. I am impressed by your site and just wanted to say…God brought me to you even if just to say KEEP ON THE NARROW PATH….don’t know why but I guess you would understand why that needed to be said to you today. God Bless and know you have a listening ear here in Camden Alabama.
In Christ
MARANATHA
Kristin
Comment from Will
Posted on Saturday, 7 June 2008 at 11:27 pm
1. Sad, sad story. I hope that Curtis is at peace now.
2. Andy is one of the best webdesigners in the world, top 5 in the Milky Way.
