By: Amanda Douglas

As we enter the Lenten season, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the work that Jesus did on the cross for each and every one of us. The relation to Christ’s death on Good Friday, burial, and resurrection on Easter Sunday directly affects how we see God and each other.

Jesus died to save sinners.

Jesus died to save ALL sinners.

When we truly realize the weight of that statement, we can see our neighbor through a whole new lens.

Sometimes we focus on how Jesus died FOR US.
Sometimes we focus on how Jesus died FOR YOU.

We know who WE are, but who are we really referring to when we say, “Jesus died FOR YOU?”

Most of the time, it is the person we are having a conversation with at that particular moment.
Other times, we hear our pastor say these words.

Occasionally, I think we need a reminder of who some of these sinners are that Christ died and rose again for:

Christ died for the addict.

How often do you interact with an addict? Whether they are in the throes of addiction, or in recovery, how often do we think about how Christ died for them?

For some, addiction is seen from afar. The guy on the street corner begging for money. The distant co-worker. That uncle that you don’t really talk to but once a year.

For others, addiction is right at their front door. Their daughter. Their nephew. Their mother. Their father. Themselves. Addicts are human beings just like everyone else.

Before I worked in a home for women facing addiction, it wasn’t really something at the forefront of my brain. I saw addicts as people, but people who weren’t like me. I don’t feel as though I “looked down on them”; I just thought that I and an addict didn’t have anything in common. I have never touched a controlled substance, much less a cigarette or vape. I never drank alcohol (more than just a taste 🙂) until after I was 21.

I was wrong.

As I got to know some of the residents, the more I saw how similar we were. We had common interests, common dreams, common goals in life. We had similar childhood experiences. The biggest difference to me was that many of the women had more trauma than I did. They had more hardships. Their upbringing had events that mine didn’t.
If I (or any one of us) were in the same circumstances, would I have fallen into the same pitfalls?

MAYBE.

And that is the beginning of compassion.
We are ALL sinners. Once we realize the depravity of our sin, we can see that there is very little sin that our flesh would not consume if the right circumstances were to arise. Human beings are all the same.

Christ died for the absent parent.

Around 50% of children removed from their parents’ care in the state of Illinois have substance abuse as a significant factor in the removal. When a person is in active addiction, they do not think about the consequences of their actions until it is too late. Many parents (especially mothers) hit rock bottom when their children are taken away from them. This is the jolt they need to realize that their actions are having major effects on them and the people around them.

Yes, there are many parents who never overcome their addictions. Their children remain in the care of a family member or a foster parent. The strain on all relationships is ever-present. The child(ren) remain in care until they age out, or are ultimately adopted. The healing that can come from having a stable home cannot be understated.

BUT… what if the parent(s) WANT to change but don’t have the resources? Should a family not be restored just because the addict has nowhere to turn?

Should a mother be given the opportunity for forgiveness, change, and restoration?

We believe so. Eve’s Restoration Ministries is working to open a home for mothers who seek a place to work through their issues as well as a place to achieve reunification of their family.

Our goal is to rebuild and reunite safe families through having the support they need in a residential setting.

All parents make mistakes. Some make much bigger ones than others.

As stated above, we are ALL sinners. The wages of sin is death. The free gift of Christ is salvation. All deserve to hear the Gospel. All deserve a second, third, and fourth chance.

This does not mean we should not be good stewards with our resources, or allow children in unsafe homes. What this does mean is that if a mother TRULY wants a chance to restore her family, why not help, instead of pushing her off to someone else? Why not help instead of throwing their sins in their face?

Our program will have a screening process. We will not recommend reunification for every family. We will not recommend a child enter into an unsafe environment.

We will try our best to help every mother see that they are loved by God in Christ. We will try our best to treat each woman like they are a human being deserving of redemption. We will try our best to teach them their worth in Christ. We will try our best to give them the encouragement and resources needed to not only restore their family but to prevent re-entry into care.

Addicts have names. Addicts are people. We may not sin the same as them, but we may not have lived the same life as them either. Instead of turning a blind eye, perhaps see them as a person worthy of forgiveness just like you.

Jesus died for ALL.

Won’t you help us show a mother that there is salvation for them too? That they matter and their family matters?

Our goal is to open a home in St. Clair County, IL in 2028. Would you consider coming alongside us in this process?

We appreciate all the prayers, awareness, and support that you can offer.

If you feel that you can give more, please consider a tax-deductible donation or reach out to volunteer your time & expertise. 

Together, by showing love, compassion, and support, we can help restore families and remind others of the hope and grace found in Christ’s sacrifice for all.

Be on the lookout for “Jesus Died for All” Part 2 coming in April.