Podcast Episode#34-Loving your Prodigal through habitual addiction. Seeing God’s redemption in the midst of the pain even after death-with Valerie Medrano

How can you best love your Prodigal Child? Especially when they continue to fall prey to the schemes of the enemy? In December of 2021 my cousin Malerie went to be with Jesus. She left this world very young but had long battle with the enemy which culminated through substance addiction. Today’s Podcast is an interview with her Mom, my Cuz Val. She shares with us her heart as a Momma.

Humility

Sin is sin, satan is not a respecter of persons. We all give into depending on something else other than God, it’s not always so public but it’s nonetheless just as destructive.

My prodigal cousin’s battle was a very public one, the whole family was very aware. Mal spent time in jail and at rehab. She lost and regained custody of her children multiple times, she was a dental hygienist who worked hard when she was working and, “well”. She loved the Lord and yet often the temptation was too strong.

We can’t for one minute step into the pride that we are better or stronger for not falling into a drug or alcohol addiction. We can’t minimize the things we run too for validation, acceptance and comfort. I ask that as you listen to my cousin’s story through the mouth of her sweet Momma that you do so humbly, with compassion and perspective.

Malerie grew up in a Christian home, she met the people who first offered her drugs at youth group. Val stresses the importance of remaining vigilant and involved in the lives of your children.

Loving your Prodigal well

How can you best love your prodigal child?

• Read the Word, stay in relationship with the Lord
• Surround yourself with safe people who can give you support and encouragement
• Be involved in their lives, talk to them often
• Stay connected to them, even when it’s hard. With Boundaries
• Ask for help and prayer. Resist the urge to be embarrassed this will only cause you to be isolated from people
• Listen to what God is asking you to do, which sometimes means going against the advice of well meaning friends, family and professionals
• Allow them opportunities (within boundaries) to be reminded of what the love of home and family can be like
• Sometimes making hard choices is loving them: calling CPS, driving them to rehab, calling the police, letting them get arrested, enforcing consequences when set boundaries are broken

Will it still be hard? Yes. Why? Because God never promised this life would be easy. God gave us all the dignity of freewill. Sometimes despite our best efforts we make a mess of this precious gift.

How can you best love your prodigal child? When you love your wayward son or daughter how God has called you, you are being obedient. You can’t control an adult child’s actions, but you can honor God with yours. Val talked about how that despite all the pain, their hearts were clean because they had done what God had called them too.

What does scripture say about Love?

Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous Or boil with jealousy. when blessing comes to someone else, Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated Or “overly sensitive” (having sharp edges). or quick to take offense. Or “resentful” or “does not keep score. Love will overlook offenses and remain focused on what is good, refusing to hold resentment in our hearts. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong.  Or “injustice” or “unrighteousness. Love is a safe place of shelter,  Love does not focus on what is wrong but will bear with the shortcomings of others.  Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.

2 Corinthians 13:4-7

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Podcast Music Composed and performed by Jamie Miller

If you would like more information on Jamie’s Song Writing and performing services you can ask Caroline on any of the above platforms listed for her official contact info.