Hope Grows in Dark Places

The light is most noticeable amid the darkest of nights, and the last year and a half has proven especially dark for those impacted by addiction, loss, and trauma. The intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic against the backdrop of an already staggering opiate epidemic in the United States resulted in too many losses to overdose, suicide, and disease. Statistics locally mimic those across the nation revealing record-setting numbers of preventable deaths.

Of course, it does not take a degree in public health to realize the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the most vulnerable. For those in the process of recovering from mental health and substance use disorders, an already arduous task has been made even more challenging. The well-trodden pathways to essential support have become choked with thorny barriers of isolation and social distancing. Meeting rooms that were once gathering places for hope sat dark in hospitals, nursing homes, community centers, and churches. Like everything else, recovery went “virtual” for a season.

Some went out and never returned. Others drifted before being pulled back to safety, battle-scarred, but grateful for another chance. Despite every difficult circumstance, the message of hope and recovery is still being carried, with the proof being found in those who started their brave journey into recovery in the midst of two storms colliding. Though every recovery remains a miracle, there seems to be something especially miraculous about those who have recovered during these times – something that defies the odds and shouts that “Hope Is Alive!”

For all those who continue to walk the recovery road through it all, we are grateful. It is in you that we see the brilliant light of hope shine in the darkest of places.

**This blog post was written by Hope United’s new Clinical Director and Counselor, Kathleen Mahoney. She has been a wonderful addition to the Hope United team. If you are in need of support for your mental health or for drug or alcohol addiction, Hope United is offering counseling at our office located in Compassion Church in Canton. Telehealth options are available. Call today to schedule an assessment at 330-520-8700. You don’t have to do this alone!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13