Forrest Gump gave America the notion that “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” This imagery reminds individuals of the days of generic Valentine Day boxes filled with an unlabeled variety of flavors. Unfortunately, few movies address delicate issues like alcoholism in When a Man Loves a Woman.
Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool, Proverbs 26:9.
According to King Solomon, drunkenness is nothing new. Jewish wedding receptions often lasted several days with some extended for a week. It was common for hosts to bring out cheap wine once most of the guests were hammered, unable to tell the difference anymore. Whether Solomon is referring to an actual event following a party or using hyperbole, drinking numbs the pain of individuals. The physical affects with a thornbush will be felt after the alcohol wears off.
But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap, Luke 21:34.
One of the hardest transitions facing young people is learning to have fun in life without alcohol. When my father was transferred to Cleveland while I was in college, making new friends was tough. After meeting some people my own age, I became their designated driver whenever this group went clubbing on the Flats in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Unfortunately, most of them could not dance without getting drunk. Not wanting to wait one evening, I traded places with a girl friend, helping the crew down 3 pitchers of beer. While I was the life of the party for a few hours, the lingering affects of this spree lasted 2 days. Thus, I know what its like to be a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand and its not a place where you’ll ever want to visit. Heed the passage above to avoid the pain I endured.
by Jay Mankus
