My son is a drug addict

Dear Pastor,

Many years ago, I visited your office because I was having problems with one of my children.

You made a suggestion to me which alarmed me. But I did not follow your suggestion. I left your office telling myself that you are very harsh. But, looking back now, I regret not accepting your suggestion. I am now bouncing around from place to place. I am no longer employed. I have met men who have attempted to use me but I refuse to allow them. I have done my best for my children, you know that. I have very good friends in my church and, had it not been for them, I don’t know how I would have managed.

I think my son has caused me not to love boys; I can say that because of him. He has two children and I cannot even see them. Drugs have taken him over. I am a very unhappy woman.

Initial Withheld

Dear Writer,

I can only assure you of my prayers. When people come to see me and ask for help, I do my best to assist them.

They do not have to follow my suggestions. You did not, but I knew what I told you was correct. I am sorry to know that you are a very unhappy woman. But it is not too late to find happiness – that is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There are some very harsh decisions that parents have to take. Sometimes it might mean kicking your children out of your home. But parents should not allow their children to cause them to be unhappy in their own home. It is your home.

When parents allow children to do whatever they like in their home, the parents will eventually suffer. If you love your children, you will correct them, and, if they are 18 and over and they will not listen to you, they should be asked to leave. If they fail to do that, you should take steps in throwing them out.

I have a friend who is a medical doctor. I spent some time at his house in Florida. He said that one of his sons wanted to have his own way so he put his foot down and told him to get out. When the son realised that his father was throwing him out, he straightened up, but his father insisted that he ought to go, so he left. Today, they are the best of friends. I hope that this wicked son of yours will stop dealing in drugs and learn to take care of his children and appreciate you. Right now, you have to pray for him, but do not give him any of your money.

Pastor