Faith Works 11-4-17
Jeff Gill
Pain and healing the work of faith
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When I first read "Dreamland" by Sam Quinones, I was horrified to learn about one of the lies told about opioid medications by those promoting their sale and use.
I had told that lie. It was told to me by a doctor, and I read in those pages exactly how he had been lied to, and by whom. It was no comfort to know this untruth had been said to me in good faith, and I had repeated it likewise.
"Dreamland" has been a touchstone for many of us in coming to grips with the opioid epidemic and avalanche of overdose in central Ohio, not just because of the locally specific anecdotes included in Sam's stories, but because it helps us understand how so many aspects of community have become part of this tragedy.
That book doesn't offer a program in response, or even a comprehensive list of recommendations, but it does try to help us all get back to the truth. Telling ourselves and each other the truth is a big part of what it will take to identify, recover, and heal from the wave of opioid abuse still rippling across our country.
Churches and faith communities can and must be part of any effort that begins with telling the truth. Opioid addiction is a disease of isolation, and recovery happens in community. We need faith communities to be beacons of light to the wider community for join the work to share the saving grace of God to those who are hurting.
On Saturday, Nov. 18 an all-day conference is open to the public, especially those from local congregations, hosted at Family of Faith Community Church (just past Pizza Cottage in Newark). "Community In Action" (or CIA for short) is led by the Ohio Attorney General's office, the Licking County Prosecutor's office, and local pastors, educators, and other organizational leaders. I've been involved in the planning of the program and will offer part of the opening and closing for this event, which starts with registration at 8 am and ends at 4 pm. Call Family of Faith at 740.366.7931 to reserve a spot, or email admin@familyfaithcc.org. There is no cost for this event!
Pastor Leanne Goff at Family of Faith and her administrative team have provided invaluable support for this gathering, which we all hope will continue in and through the worshiping fellowships of Licking County. Some of the leadership of the day includes Jennifer Lloyd, with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office; Cliff Biggers, chaplain with the Licking County Prosecutor's Office and longtime community leader; Newark Police Chief Barry Connell; and Penny Sitler, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Licking County.
If you are wanting to learn more about how addiction is influencing our community, and ways other communities like us have pushed back against & found healing from this epidemic, please consider this event.
Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and pastor in Licking County; he's interested in the truth, and Truth. Tell him where you find truth in your life at knapsack77@gmail.com, or follow @Knapsack on Twitter.
