Sometimes, people can be difficult, especially those struggling with substance abuse. Addiction can lead to selfishness, disorganization, and recklessness. As a pastor, I recognize that calling people “difficult” isn’t exactly the right thing to do. However, it’s no secret that substance abuse takes its toll on so many people. It not only endangers lives, it rips relationships to shreds. It challenges some of the deepest connections. Substance abuse does terrible things. So, what should we do about it?
One of my favorite TV shows is The Office starring Steve Carrell. In the episode “Business School,” Michael Scott is invited by Ryan Howard, a temp employee and a “know it all” MBA student, to speak to his class. As Michael is answering questions from other students, he learns that Ryan has predicted the company will soon fail and go out of business. On the drive back to the office, Ryan pleads for his job. Michael tells him to pack his things. Ryan, thinking he is fired, pleads a little more. However, Michael tells him, “I am not firing you. Good managers don’t fire people. They hire people and inspire people because people will never go out of business.”
Having worked for His Way through The Saving Way thrift stores for nearly a decade, I’ve seen both the struggles and the transformations of many individuals. I’ve had to make difficult decisions, including letting employees go. Yet, I agree with Michael Scott—people will never go out of business. Even those who have made poor choices have the potential for change.
Frederick Buechner, a Presbyterian Theologian, writes,
“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid.”
Many of the men who walk through the doors of His Way have pasts filled with pain and poor decisions. Yet, as Buechner reminds us, fear is not the answer.
Amid the struggles, there is also beauty. Witnessing men come out of recovery changed and with a renewed purpose is a beautiful thing! There is hope! There is life! There is redemption! The work that Christ does in their lives is truly beautiful!
However, to reach that beauty, we must often first navigate the hardships. Isaiah 61 offers a powerful, gospel message about beautiful and difficult things. It begins with a gospel presentation, and it speaks of liberty for captives, freedom for prisoners, and an exchange of beauty for ashes. Ashes, in the Bible, symbolized mourning and loss, yet they were not the end of the story.
His Way helps people see the good news. His Way helps people work through the beautiful and difficult moments! Because in the end, His Way is in the people business, and people never go out of business.
Our purpose at His Way is to reclaim, rebuild and restore. If you’d like to be a part of this mission, contact us today to learn how you can get involved.
Written by Dr. Michael B. Bowe, Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama
Photo by Mike Ross, His Way Program Director