Cafe Chat

What is one habit, negative pattern, or sin that has been passed down your family line from generation to generation that you do not want to pass down to your own family line? What steps are you taking to make sure the habit, pattern or sin is not repeated in your own family?

As you know, my mom is an alcoholic. She used it to self medicate. She also had drugs that the doctor would give her for her nerves etc. She stopped in the 80's when both Ron and her were told by the doctor to stop drinking or else. They went to AA and didn't look back. Mom had a moment during a Christmas after Krista's death, but she has remained sober. Alcohol and drug usage has been passed down in my family. My mother's sister is an alcoholic. Both of my brothers have used drugs and alcohol but now seem to be not using. And you know Kari has been in recovery this year and will celebrate one year on July 19th! I am so very proud of her.

Kari is the one generation that changes this habit or pattern in our family. Because of her bravery, she sought help. In seeking help, she discovered she has ADHD. ADHD is passed down and it is by belief that all those that have self medicated with alcohol and drugs has done so because of them having ADHD. By her prayers and the grace of God, the pattern will end with her.

So how come I didn't drink? Good question. I've asked myself the same question. Even when I thought at times that I wished I could go out and have a "drink" just to get away from "things", I never followed through. I have a few answers to that one question. First, I became a Christian as a young girl and I think God saved me from the need. I don't think that I am special and I know that many Christians I am sure have had to be saved from drugs and alcohol. But for some reason, I never wanted to use it to soften life or needed it. I had a class in college and they said that alcoholism was passed down. I didn't think it was right to put a sentence on me... so I decided right then that I would never touch the stuff. If I didn't get hooked, then I wouldn't have the problem, I decided. Another explanation is that maybe I don't have the gene... maybe it skipped me. Also, being the oldest, I saw what it did to my mom and to my family. I was very angry at alcohol so I didn't want to have anything to do with it. And I am stubborn/tenacious... and this time for a good cause. All of those reasons large or small, played a part.