You see that your addiction is destroying them, but you keep doing it.

You know that going in and out of jail is, taking its toll on them, but you don’t stop.

The gaming debts are leaving them hungry and broke, but you keep on gambling.

It’s already a nightmare that you have to deal with that problem, but watching your loved ones suffer because of you is even worse. You feel it in the pit of your stomach. It’s a sick feeling that you try to mask by blocking them out as you do what you do. You push family and friends away, not because of anything they’ve done, but because you can’t bear to let them see you this broken.

This is what it feels like to be a burden on your family.

The shame. The guilt. The pain.

You hate yourself for it, and you try so hard to keep things from them that you feel like you are imploding. Either way, you and your family are in pain. They see your suffering and are suffering with you. That’s what hurts even more.

This is what you need to do: Stop fighting alone.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Your burden may be too much for your family but not for Jesus. He expects you to trust Him with it. Don’t refuse His offer.

Stop turning to the wrong people for help.

Stop going around in circles and ending up back at square one.

In His eyes, you are not a burden. You may have a burden, but you don’t have to carry it anymore.

Speak to Him. Give all your troubles over to Jesus and allow Him to fix things for you. He will guide you on what to do next. You and your family will be eternally grateful.

Go on, do it now.

May the God of the Bible bless you.

Bishop Joshua Fonseca

NB: If you are suffering because of a loved one’s problem, the same applies to you. Get help. Let God take this burden away so that you can be strong enough to fight for your loved ones.