Spiritual Perspectives
They're not Drunks, They're Children of God

By Barbara Russell
Special to The Independent

Editor's Note: This is a revised version of an article first printed in the "Spiritual Perspectives" column in October 2003.

One of the best ways we can address the public intoxication problem in Gallup is to quit thinking of the drinkers we see on our streets as "drunks." The way that we think about them and about the problem will have a huge bearing on its resolution. When we see them as hopeless drunks, we are contributing to the obstacles that get in the way of their progress.

So what do you think we should call them? At the Na'nizhoozhi Center (NCI) they call them "our relatives." Which of course is what they are. And we all want our relatives to do well. We encourage them, support them, pray for them, stay in touch, and share our lives.

How can we see our relatives on the street or at NCI as children of God? What does it mean to be a child of God? First, it does in fact mean that we are all relatives, and it means that each and every one of us is tenderly provided for. God provides support, inspiration, and assistance toward a productive, satisfying life.

We all have evidence of this in our lives and can affirm that it is true for others, even if it is not visible at the moment. Think of a time when you needed some help, but did not know what you needed or even how to ask for help. Sooner or later, something happened, maybe "out of the blue," that helped you on your journey of growth and healing. And it could very well have included someone else seeing you as a child of God, complete and whole. Awhile back, a friend emailed me an article entitled "Give Others a Reputation to Uphold," which included this quote from Goethe: "Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be."

The Bible says, "Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee.." (Deuteronomy 4:36) and, "Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning" (Psalms 143:8). God originates, establishes, and maintains (causes) all life. So we can affirm that God is speaking to the hearts and minds of "our relatives," providing the opportunities and ideas they need to move forward in their lives.

No obstacle can thwart the power of God to heal and provide for his creation. People are healed of alcoholism and drug addiction by different means and experiences and God knows how to nurture each one of us. When we give others a "reputation to uphold" it supports God's work with them. And a willingness to change our thinking could also allow for inspiration about other ways we can help. New possibilities can open up.

I was leaving NCI recently after conducting a weekly Bible study session. As I was waiting to be let out I heard a voice in the next room say to someone else, "I'm a walking time bomb. It's only a matter of time" I immediately, silently in my thought, said, "That is not true about her. She is made in the image and likeness of God with a God-given purpose that He enables her to fulfill." The next thing I heard her say was "Joshua 1:5." So I looked it up, walked over to her and read, "as I was with Moses so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Here was a woman in deep despair, but upon seeing me and apparently knowing that I was one of the "church ladies" was inspired by God's promise that she held in her heart. She went on to say that she had been a Sunday School teacher and a member of the choir, and, right then and there sang a very moving rendition of "At the Foot of the Cross."

At the foot of the cross where grace and suffering meet

You have shown me Your love through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart,

Yes, You've won my heart, now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty and wear forgiveness like a crown

Coming to kiss the feet of mercy I lay every burden down

At the foot of the cross

Like I said, they're not drunks, they're children of God. They can and do hear His voice. Our community has made great progress in addressing this problem since the establishment of NCI in 1992. Let us as a community support the efforts of NCI and our relatives by giving them a reputation to uphold. Consider this thought from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science: "The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good." (Page 518)

Barbara Russell is First Reader for the Christian Science Group of Gallup, which conducts Sunday worship services and a weekly Bible study at NCI, as well as a prayer meeting at the Red Mesa Center once a month. She can be reached at (505) 722-0357 or brgallup@cnetco.com.

This column is the result of a desire by community members, representing different faith communities, to share their ideas about bringing a spiritual perspective into our daily lives and community issues.

For information about contributing a guest column, contact Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola at the Independent: (505) 863-8611, ext. 218 or lizreligion01@yahoo.com.