My father was an alcoholic. He joined AA when I was two years old and stayed sober until his death about 4 years later.
It has been my peaceful, joyful choice to abstain from alcohol. There is a strong genetic link with this addiction, so for me to drink with this risk factor would be unwise.
In addition to this, I take seriously my influence on others. I may not have a problem with drinking, but someone watching my example may have one and indulge if I do.
No one ever need to apologize to anyone for being an abstainer. Clare Pooley, of the blog “SoberMummy,” the book The Sober Diaries, and a TED Talk, suggest we change the brand image and words for the positive choice of sobriety:
“I am alcohol free.”
“I am a sober warrior.”
“I am a clean drinker.”
She says that alcohol is the only drug that you have to justify nottaking. Our culture is convinced that it’s impossible to have a “good time” without the presence of booze.
And yes, Jesus drank wine. Even miraculously made some. More on this topic next week!
