"I Won't Be Attending This Party! How about you?"

Have you ever received an invitation to a party about which you were unsure? A party that you were not real sure that you wanted to attend! No, it was not because of the people having the party because you loved them very much. It was not because you did not want to dress up as your favorite character because it was not that kind of an event. The timing fit your schedule and the place was not far from your home. The problem was that you knew the party was going to be a "pity party" for the host or hostess! That's was the only kind of "party" they understood!

I wonder how many of us have been trapped into such a situation? I know you have!

Those who host such parties are overcome by their personal concerns. Those concerns may be health related, financial shortfalls, spousal abuse or abandonment...the list is long and difficult. These folk have known tremendous failures of one kind or another and have been overcome by the enormity of the problem. They never intended to be addicted to "self pity" anymore than a drug addict intended to be taken in by cocaine or heroin. It happened! How? Generally, it started as a kind word or gentle gesture on the part of someone feeling another's pain. That pain is demonstrated once, twice or more and it felt good to the hurting person. It felt so good that more of it was desired and sought. Within in a matter of time it felt so good that only a larger dose of the sympathy would satisfy the individual's need and at that point the addiction to pity was set.

With a loving heart others joined the party and began sharing their sorrow for the host of this "self-pity party!" They meant well, but were only compounding the addiction. What was needed was some "straight talk" regarding overcoming the addiction! But, what does one say?

Jesus asked a man one time if he wanted to get well, even though he knew the man had been lying on a mat for thirty-eight years due to some form of paralysis. Did the man need a miracle for his body? Uh...maybe! Did he need a miracle for his mind? Probably! Jesus simply said with great force, "Get up! Take up your mat and walk!" Straight forward talk! No touching! No spittle made from the dirt! Just...simple instructions to a man that was playing the blame game so common to those engulfed in self-pity! What happened? The man got up and walked!

There are those among us who need no more addictive empathy, but a panacea for their personal feelings of pity! Help them overcome this addiction! Encourage them to seek help for the addiction!

Remember, a "pity junkie" does not need to be introduced to a supplier of this deadly poison!