Pubdate: Thu, 16 Sep 2004
Source: Ledger, The (FL)
Copyright: 2004 The Ledger
Contact:  http://www.theledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/795
Author: Brigette August
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PREVENT PAIN OF METH

I am a survivor of the "Meth Tour of Polk County." I am going to make
a plea to your heart.

If you saw the pain and terror in the eyes of a drowning child, would
you reach out to save her? Then why are we not reaching out to save
the members of our community, someone's child, drowning in addiction.
Let me say this to you -that addict is someone's child -- someone's
mother, father, brother or sister.

If you're selling it, could you do it if you could see firsthand the
tears and the pain of their children that are watching what is
happening to their parent? If you're a friend leading another astray
with the promises of party good time, would you do it if you got to
witness the pain and tears your friend cries when alone in the shower?
Are you being a good friend then?

When you see people acting crazy in the streets, do you stop and
laugh? Do you say they're shot out or call them chicken head perhaps?
Would you do it if you could see the pain and heartache in the eyes of
their families that knew them before methamphetamine.

Have a spark of compassion for your neighbor before passing judgment
on someone, which is not our job anyhow -that is God's.

If this causes even one person to reach out and prevent the pain and
terror from the eyes of just one child, like the ones I have had to
come and see in the eyes of my own children, then our pain has not
been in vain. I urge you to contact MAMA (Mothers Against
Meth-Amphetamine) at Leland Ministries in Bartow.

Evil only wins when good people do nothing.

Brigette August,

MAMA Volunteer, Auburndale
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MAP posted-by: Derek