Faith Focus
Go Ahead…Get Addicted

By Dr. Henry Blount

On day, I stopped by the yogurt shop to get a cone of yogurt and saw a baseball cap on the counter with two words on the front: “Get addicted!” When it comes to yogurt, I think I am. The word “addiction” has fallen into disrepute. Everyone is likely to be addicted to something, which is not always bad. Of course, we hear about those who have self-destructive habits like alcohol, drugs smoking and so on; but, there are also multitudes who have “positive addictions” like exercise programs, healthy food habits, prayer and worship activities and many others!

One of God’s greatest gifts is freedom of choice or free will. Much of our suffering is the result of poor choices, whether we admit it or not. We can over-identify with a bad habit, to the extent that it becomes a substitute for our weaknesses, relieving us of personal responsibility. We can be pushed around by our problems so much that we thin, “That’s the hand life has dealt me,” rather than choosing to change our ways of living and thinking. It’s easy to blame “life” or some other person for the mess we’re in rather than looking inward.

According to William Glasser, MD, father of “Reality Therapy”, a positive addiction can be anything at all that we choose to do, as long as it meets the following conditions:

It must be non-competitive
It is easy to do, without a great deal of stress or strain
You can do it alone, or rarely with others, but it mustn’t depend on others
You believe it has some value (physically, mentally and/or emotionally)
You believe that if you persist at it, you will improve.
You must do this without criticizing yourself. If you can’t accept yourself during this activity, it will not be a positive addiction.

So, there you have it! The meaning of a “positive addiction” is simple, yet profound. I have a friend who claims that when he travels to a hotel for several days at a time, he simply must have a live plant in his room. He says it makes a world of difference. He is addicted! And I can relate to that!

As I write this article, I am in a local hospital waiting for a second heart by-pass surgery. My first one was in 1981, which means it has lasted me 27 years. With God’s help and competent doctors, I’ll be ready for 27 more. The point is, I’m addicted to my faith and the ability to cope with what is rather than what ought to be. I am addicted to the faith that says, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for God is with me.” So, whatever the outcome of this ordeal, I am in God’s hands.

Go ahead…get addicted to good habits, especially an indestructible faith in God. It’s the best way to go! Amen.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes to Hold 2nd Annual Golf Classic in Alexandria

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be holding its 2nd annual golf tournament on July 11th at Links on the Bayou in Alexandria. This annual tournament is used to create awareness of ministry outreach and to raise funds to support programs and activities associated with the local FCA chapter in Central Louisiana.

This year’s tournament will include free lunch, closest to the pin prizes, longest drive prizes and great prizes for the top four teams. Cost is $300 per team and includes shirt, door prizes, lunch, etc.

FCA is the largest Christian sports ministry in America and focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. For over 50 years, FCA has sought to impact the world through the influence of athletes and coaches

For more information about corporate and hole sponsorships or to participate in this year’s event, please contact Tyler Durham at tdurham@fca.org, or register at www.miraclegolfconcepts.com. The deadline for entry is July 9th.