I have just finished reading Nishani Ford’s book: WHOLEHEARTED – An offering of hope and healing for those who love someone struggling with addiction. Here is the story of a single mother, with two sons; the eldest became addicted to substances at a very young age.

I attended the book launch at Gracepoint Church and was moved by the sincerity, tenacity and unconditional love spoken freely. Having been involved in a 6-month live-in recovery programme at Hands of Compassion, I have been privileged to have been trusted with first-hand accounts of heartbreak, anger, despair, and disappointment; to hear from families and friends holding on to a thin thread of hope, ‘pastor, do you think they will make it this time?’ And I have been privileged to have been trusted with first-hand accounts of deep regret, loss, shame, and confusion; to hear from those struggling with substance abuse with no strength left to hope, ‘pastor, I’m trying so hard to stay clean; do you think I can?’

I have celebrated and I have wept; I have weakened and wondered if what I dedicated my life to was worth it; and I have stood strong to defend and bring hope. Through many testimonies of success, I managed to stay the course, and to this day continue receiving messages of gratitude, messages from those still struggling but still in the race requesting prayers, and from families who have lost loved ones who reach out for a word of comfort.

I share a poem by Nishani, from her book, with you here (with her permission). This poem was the Winner of the AVBOB Poetry Award and a part of the Hope and Healing Library of South Africa.

 

BOY IN THE BACK SEAT

There is a boy [in] the back seat

Quiet and anxious

He shares his mother’s fears

Will we find him?

 

Driving hours on end

This boy has no playtime

No friends to contend

Instead, his life is wasting away

The boy in the back seat

Looking out for the shape of his brother’s cap

Under bridges

Along the road

Can we see him?

 

It’s late now and his childlike eyes begin to tire

He knows his mother won’t go home

Not yet

Not until she has him

 

He curls up

Anxious

Scared

Alone

And sleep takes him away into a darkness

A nightmare comes true

For him there is no escape

 

When will she look back, he wonders

When will she notice

I am waiting for my mother’s holy love

She is spread so thin – I must be patient

 

I too am waiting to live

Beyond this addiction crippled family

I too am waiting to live – I too am alive

 

Friends, I encourage you to get WHOLEHEARTED, whether you have travelled this road, seen others on it or not; pastors and church leaders, we cannot look away; we must be the support and the community that offer hope and the gift of time.

Get inspired. Get the book here https://nishaniford.com/