We Americans take pride in the freedom we are afforded in this country. We were founded on Christian values and throughout our short existence (relative to other countries) we have fought hard to preserve it. Therefore it seems inconceivable that we would deteriorate from within and by our own hand.

Statistically 40 million Americans ages 12 and older are addicted to (or abuse) nicotine, alcohol or other drugs. This is a ratio of 1 in 7 persons. To put these numbers in perspective; heart conditions affect 27 million, diabetes affects 26 million and cancer affects 19 million Americans.

Addiction is a brain disease. Addicts usually start out innocently enough but before long the use of alcohol, drugs or other substances overtake their lives. For the record, there also are compulsive behaviors that may be considered expressions of addictions, such as gambling, shopping, food and sex. Addictions result in negative repercussions to the individual and society by affecting family and home life, work productivity and social relationships.

Substance abuse changes the brain’s wiring and causes people to desire the drug even when they know it is harmful to their health. Imaging studies reveal the area of the brain that controls judgment, decision making, learning, memory and behavior control becomes impaired. These addicts no longer enjoy freedom; instead they have been unwittingly duped into relinquishing their freedom each time they choose the pursuit of pleasure. It’s straight out of the story of Pinocchio, the puppet boy who wanted freedom from his puppet strings only to fall for the trappings of the promise of a life of fun and abandon. He and countless other boys desired pleasure and freedom from laws, rules and parents, but they were naive. After a short while of misbehaving the boys were transformed into donkeys/jackasses and enslaved for hard labor.

Addictions are a real threat to our country but the root of the problem remains controversial. However, I tend to think puberty is extremely difficult especially in this present age. Teens’ lives are busy and although they seem to have it all under control they really don’t know how to cope with life; as a result many look to drugs to escape their fears, seeking happiness and freedom but not considering the consequences or foolishly thinking they won’t get addicted. You may have a different opinion, but nonetheless I feel sorry for these victims who turned to drugs and have lost control of their lives and I feel sorrow for their families. Sadly addiction is a family disease; for one person may use but the whole family suffers.

Please add our addicts to your prayers for they are the sons and daughters of our friends and neighbors. “Most loving God, we ask your blessing upon all who suffer from addiction. Strengthen them to reach out for help. Enable them to take the first step to recovery. Bless them with the persistence to persevere in the fight to be free. Give courage and hope to their families, drawing them close together in the power of your love, which alone can transform our living. Amen.”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tonight our football team plays at Anna beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday the cross country team participates in Botkins’ “Best in the West” starting at 10 a.m. and the volleyball team plays in the Van Wert Invitational at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 30 the Versailles Eagles Auxiliary Breakfast will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Also Sunday there will be Pickleball at Ward Park from 2-4 p.m. for all who are interested.

Tuesday, Oct. 2 is Village Clean-up Day. Larger items (that do not fit in the refuse containers) will be picked up, with some exceptions. Also on Tuesday the Needle Arts Network (fka Knitting Circle) meets at the library (526-3416) at 6 p.m. Pickleball at Ward Park from 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 3 there will be Pickleball at Ward Park from 6-8 p.m. Refer questions to 417-7928.

Saturday, Oct. 6 the Versailles FFA holds its annual Color Run/Walk 5K and Health Fair. This event is always well done. The Health Fair is open from 8-11:30 a.m. and, in my opinion, is worth your time to explore.

Mark your calendar for the Hot Dog and Hamburger Tailgate Dinner, which will be held at the Vets Club from 5-6:45 p.m. Oct. 12.

Happy birthday to Dick Pierron, Nancy Kremer, Tianna Mescher, Louie Von Duhn, Sue Ann Knapke, Heather Henderson, Joyce Lease, Amy Brandt, Paula Dirksen, Brent Carity, Steve Shrock, Ellen Peters, Kevin Lyme, Bruce Magoto, Kelsey Davis, Jim Rahm, Larry Reed, Danielle Clack, Janelle Crickmore, Belle Hamilton, Lauren Hartzell, Chris Beasley, Brandon Christian, Emma Jean Hartzell, Marissa Vencil, Lori Davidson, Ashley Roberts, Becky Condon, Marilyn Petitjean, Viv DeWall, Bob Turpen, Steven Mangen, Mary Lou Nerderman, Phil Streib, Sharon Kramer, Ryan Oliver, Jim Zehringer, Karen Clayton, Angie Hoelscher, Alex Dircksen, Mike McClurg, Courtney Swabb, Ginny Voisard, Gina Hoying, Nicci Keiser, and Uncle John Magoto as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Alexis and Brian Hemmelgarn (1), Traci and Dan Treon (5), Paige and Bobby Collins (5), Katie and Matthew Curtis (8), Kate and Clint Brewer (12), Jenni and Dusty Johns (12), Linda and Alan May (12), Janet and Rick Unger (14), Carrie and Eric Behlke (14), Tammy and Mike Poling (16), Angie and Jeff Francis, (17), Jenny and Nick Timmerman (18), Michelle and David McClure (21), Georgiana and Erick Williams (21), Sheri and Craig Reed (25), Tina and Luke Subler (26), Kelly and Mike Monnin (27), Sheila and Pat Voisard (28), Kathy and Dale Schlater (29), Margie and Rick Heitkamp (32), Elaine and Jim Barlage (35), Jacqui and Steve Rethman (36), Debbie and Mike Shively (36), Elaine and Greg Bergman (40), Terry and Roger Bey (42), Deb and Dewey Ward (42), Madonna and Fred McEldowney (47), Norma and Tom Parin (48), Karen and Ron Mescher (48), Jane and Vern Monnin (52), and Cindy and Ed Grogean (55).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Darrell Spangler, Cyril Frantz (hip), John Goubeaux (recovering), Jason Hoying, Debbie Francis, Jackson Winner, Jerilyn Monnin, Fr. John White, Holly Finnarn, Susie Hileman, Kellie Gehret, Shirley Tapp, Becca Pohl Liette, Jane Meier, Dean Kreitzer, Jim Kelch, Scarlet Unrast, Jenni Meyer, John Brandt, Donna Apple, Marcia Davidson, Alice Luthman, Michelle Sherman, Richard Pierron, Miriam Harman, Patricia Borchers, Bob Miller, Iona Gariety, Loretta Bey, Steve Bey, Aiden Myers, Angie Keiser, Kay and Paul Dapore, Rose Mary and Jerry Paulus, Cyril Frantz, Peggy and Jack Borgerding, Alvira Marchal, Earl Gigandet, Ruth Wirrig, Marge Prakel, Mary Batty, Dave Magoto, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Virginia Smith, Anabelle Subler, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Eileen Rahm, Samantha Smith and those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.

Please join in extending your heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of David Rhoades (47), Joanna Oury (49), and Gerald Burns (75) also remembering Don Purpus, Cindy Farrell, Jim Leis, Thomas Sanderson, Gladys Harrison, LaVern Heitkamp, Cecilia Albers, Alnora Snedeker, Cathy Morris, Timothy Fogt, James Stucke, Mary Ann Wenning, Vada Fisher, Audrey McEldowney, Jarie Langenkamp, John Beasley, Tyler Kuhn, Becky Grillot, Martha Phlipot, Lucille Monnin, Jean Francis, Virginia Roll, Delbert Barga, Naomi Francis, Homer Wood, Paul McClurg, Dan Luthman, Joe Graves, Barb Selander, Urb Ratermann and all our friends and family not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.

“Addiction is the only prison where the locks are on the inside.” ~Unknown

“If the addict is pleased with your help you’re probably enabling. If the addict is pissed as hell you’re probably helping the person you love.” ~Sandy Swenson

Drugs take you to Hell, disguised as Heaven” ~Donald Lyn Frost