This week I have been faced with a special predicament. I work a State Hospital and there I interview all patents and get there drug and alcohol use history then I make a recommendation about their treatment and I also teach the classes. We call this COPSD, Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Disorders, people who have problems with mental illness and substances. Earlier this week I was discussing with some co-workers how a person who is atheist or agonistic successfully completes a 12 Step Program, like AA or NA. I jokingly said that an atheist can not stay sober and an agonistic just won’t care to stay sober. That was that, until this morning in class a patient asked about any recovery groups that are Pagan. Being a Christian myself I have spiritual qualms with the Pagan religions but as a Mental Health worker and COPSD Class leader I had to evaluate my purpose. As a professional it is not my place to enforce my religious beliefs on others but is my place to meet a person where they are and give them the tools they need to recover and maintain their sobriety and health. I believe that as a Christian it is also my place to be kind and hopeful to ALL people who need help and encouragement. I read the Air1 verse of the day everyday and I was researching information for the person who is Pagan I recalled this verse from October 7 -

Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

Titus 3:14 NLT

We must love one another and remember to help people with out judgment, on the job and off.