As of today, I haven’t had a drink in three years. A few months back, I wrote a piece called “Holding On” (https://theearthquakers.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/holding-on/) in which I allude to a dark moment when I was tempted to self-medicate with alcohol. In the post, I encourage myself by thinking of my children. I also recount the impressive efforts of my father, who struggled with Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse issues. My dad quit all drugs and alcohol for 10 years. He eventually died from a prescription drug overdose, but during my most vulnerable childhood years, he was there for me. I want to be there for my family for the rest of my life, not just until my oldest turns 14.
It is terrifying to me to think about the parallels between my life and my fathers. We are on the same wave-lengths in so many areas. There are key differences, of course, that make me feel like I have a chance at survival, the main things being awareness and acceptance. I am aware and accept that I have bipolar disorder. I am aware and accept that some of the unusual thoughts I think could be paranoid. I am aware and accept that I am capable of controlling my thoughts and thus my behaviors. I am aware and accept that I need treatment.
Over the past few months, I’ve had a few of those dark moments mostly due to intense marital conflict and the stress that comes from being mostly manic and feeling misunderstood. As this monumental day approached, whenever I felt like giving into temptation, I motivated myself, “I’m almost there! I’ve almost made it to the 3 year mark. I can do it. Just hold on.”
This morning when I woke up, though I didn’t have the urge to drink, I felt a shift in my thinking occur. What will I say to myself the next time I am tempted?
This afternoon I just happened to need something from the attic for the babies. I had to move a few items to get to it. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied one of my old storage boxes with a paper that had my sister, Starla’s handwriting on it. Maybe a sweet or silly note from a few years back? Though the babies were fussy and I had so much work to do, I just had to take a moment to check it out. It just turned out to be some of her old school stuff, but right under it was this collage that my dad had made and written on. So simple yet so fitting. Fitting and meaningful to me at this exact moment in my life.
Double Talk Quote: Sarah’s husband’s family enters the residence puts food on the counter and says, “Well, we’ve got to run.” And exit. My other brother-in-law, Jeff says to his wife (sister Starla), “Wow, they know how to get in and out.” – implying that the two of them get stuck!
Verse: James 1:14 “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”
Word that has Lost its meaning: odd coincidence, replace with “G-odd” coincidence
Relatable Lyrics: “Hold On” by Twila Paris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jts9mmDXPCg
SuperMom Mentality 
Comments on: "Still Holding On" (14)
Thank you for sharing this!!! I am so proud of you!! – Kathy White
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Thank You 🙂
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You tell yourself this, “three years is really good! The devil bets I can’t do four. I bet I can!”
And on the fourth year, you say,”four years is really good! The devil bets I can’t do five. I bet I can!”
And so on.
I know you can do 100+ years.
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Thanks for the encouragement, Joe! You are right, the devil is not only betting against me, he’s actively seeking to destroy me! I know this from scripture AND I know this from the past (I will write “Testimonies” one day). God has called me to do something for Him and Satan has tried all my life to stop this from happening. The irony is, the harder he tries, the more God overcomes and the more testimonies I get. This morning, my devotions just happened to take me to 2 Timothy 4:5, (God speaking directly to me through his Living Word) “As for you, be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” I feel the Spirit on that one!
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You go girl! God and you have got this!
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You have no idea the impact you have made (and still make) in my life. Thank you.
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wow. you are so strong. I truly believe God only gives us what we can handle-with his help. God obviously thinks you can handle a lot – bipolar, twins, financial stress, marital stress etc. I couldn’t handle half of that! Just keep connecting with God.
I remember feeling so stressed when the kids were infants. Now that they are a toddler and preschooler, life is a lot easier. So at least the not sleeping, stress part will get better.
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God definitely works through me daily. I couldn’t do any of this in the natural!
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I am so proud of you. Truly, I feel honored to be a part of your life and to see the mighty works and promises of God come to fulfillment in and through you-in your life, and in every life you touch.
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Don’t just keep holding on…enjoy the ride!
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Four years now, and I’m riding the ride and enjoying small moments of treasured joy.
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Amen sisters. wow i love it so beautiful…I love those special anointed messages from heaven ❤ God is so cool. 8:28
God has made & makes you so strong it's crazy
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“Crazy strong” is a good way to describe it!
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