Tuesday evening we met with a group of inpatient clients in the detox unit at David Lawrence Treatment Center in Naples. They’re in the midst of a difficult process, trying to rid themselves of dependence mostly on over-prescribed prescription pain meds. In addition to physical pain, they’re battling depression, guilt, rejection, and a host of emotional demons.
Our discussion was intense, honest, and charged with emotion. They were clearly impacted in the moment. As for lasting impact—we’ll likely never know. It’s one of those times when you hope God speaks through your words, then you have to let it go and trust Him with the results.
After a quick night, we were back at the David Lawrence Center to meet with an entirely different audience. These folks inhabit the Acute Mental Trauma unit, reserved for those battling severe mental illness. Schizophrenia, acute bipolar disorder—I can’t imagine the pain and confusion of not knowing why your brain won’t work.
It’s likely many of these people will never be well. Perhaps some of them can learn to cope, but for most even that is beyond reach. We talked about hope and dreams and not giving up. I have no clue what it meant. They cried. I wanted to.
Both groups were excited, amazed, and thankful when we left a few books for them. We’re able to do that through the generosity of our Book Benefactors. I believe God will use the words we left behind to touch someone we’ll never meet.
Then we hit the road for a 45-mile ride from Naples to Fort Myers. When I rolled into the hotel parking lot, Becky said we had to hurry because we’d been invited to speak at a local church. So we hustled across town and met a lot of kind people over dinner. We told our story and talked about books and bike rides and Convoy Of Hope.
This morning we speak at two Salvation Army homeless shelters. And it’s supposed to rain all day.
Just another day on the road with RICH’S RIDE.
This is all quite amazing and overwhelming. It’s certainly bigger than us.
Thanks for helping us be a part of something so special.
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We passed the halfway mark yesterday. 519 miles in the rear view mirror, and if today ends up being a rain day we’re going to fall behind schedule. We’ll figure it out, because this is about a lot more than miles and bike riding.
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