January 30, 2011:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“The Gospel of a Second Chance”

By now, I am sure most everyone has heard the story of Ted Williams. Williams was an obscure homeless man, panhandling in Columbus, Ohio, when a local reporter videotaped him for an interview earlier in January. While his facial appearance was unattractive, his voice was remarkable, so much so that he began to be called “the man with the golden voice.” His story quickly went around the country.

TV and radio interviews followed, as did job offers. “Dr. Phil” had him on his television show. After a heart-to-heart talk with Dr. Phil — in which Williams and his family described a recent physical altercation with one of his daughters — Williams agreed to put the job offers on hold and enter a rehabilitation center. He told Dr. Phil that he had turned to drinking again after a hectic stay in Los Angeles.

I was sorry that Williams couldn’t control his anger and drinking even when a golden second chance was waiting, but I also know that alcoholism like drug addiction is a serious disease. It cannot be cured overnight. Even more sadly, those who begin the process of recovery may not have the determination it takes to get and stay “clean and sober.”

We who have family members like Williams agonize over what to do to get them back on the right path in life. Sometimes that loving concern leads us to do things which do not help at all and, in fact, only support the addictive behavior. A good counselor and participation in groups like Al-Anon can help us care more wisely.

The burden really has to be on the one addicted. We cannot save them from themselves as much as we wish we could. Caring love should prompt us to guide them toward rehabilitation and “Twelve Step” groups such as A.A. Tough Love should keep us from doing whatever supports the addiction. We can only finally pray that the second chances available to Williams and those we love will lead to full recovery and restoration to normal life.

Love,
Pastor Dave