Post
78
one
TINY click …
Just
one tiny … ! Recently, I came across a series of videos on
the net with the goal of coaching folks through the quit-smoking process. A wide variety of topics are offered to
provide been-there-done-that expertise
in quitting the use of tobacco. The
details are practical, basic, real-life, and
whole-heartedly, essential for a successful quit. Of everything stated, one
piece of advice – however - kept re-appearing: never take another puff. Okay, okay … we get it! Honestly, although I am not a smoker, every
time I saw the continuous warning, I wondered: is this repetition necessary? Is it just a bit of an exaggeration?
Then
I came across an extremely enlightening research report.
It seems that research techniques now can scan
nicotinic receptors (primary sites wherein nicotine attaches to brain neurons)
in the brains of persons in the act of smoking.
My understanding (albeit sketchy) from this information is that for
cravings to be satisfied (i.e., satisfied for the limited amount of minutes
during which nicotine stimulates a chemical response to the brain) about 95% of the receptors must be occupied. Smoking one cigarette generally occupies 88%
of the receptors; three puffs occupies about 75%; and get this – one (tiny) puff occupies 33% of the
receptors!
So truly, there is something of physiological
importance to the not-even-a-single-puff warning! In addition, the research assures us, time
and time again, that there are behavioral
factors which can significantly contribute to relapse. Why add one tiny puff to
one’s own individual leanings to associate certain behaviors and settings with
an addiction that’s been laid to rest (even for years)?
Moreover, when one reads the Gamblers Anonymous
literature (GA Yellow Combo Book), that abstinence-warning
is ever present. Don’t test or tempt yourself; don’t go in or
near gambling establishments … Don’t associate with anyone who gambles …Don’t
gamble for anything … not even a flip of a coin. Is this an exaggeration? Not for gamblers who are successfully living
recovery.
And
speaking of recovery, let’s turn over the “just one tiny ___” and see the flip side … the healthy, new ways
we can experience life’s joys that we may have never met before. It
can be the result of one tiny call
to a helpline or counselor or clergyperson …
or one tiny piece of information that
encourages, enlightens, or provides direction … or one tiny verse of sacred writing for
inspiration … or one tiny click on the
internet to a website that opens doors to helpful resources.
Here
then, is the story of GRM’s one tiny click. It’s actually quite
simple! Pastor at Christ United Methodist Ministry Center (CMC) in San
Diego clicks Like on CMC’s Facebook
Page; this Like shows up on the feed
of Friend G ( Friend to Pastor) and
she is intrigued; Friend G emails Rev. J
with the Ministry Center’s website; Rev.
J makes one tiny click to this website, writes an e-mail to the Center’s
Director, Rev. Dr. Bill Jenkins; and the CMC doors of friendship and community
service fling wide open. This is the
story of GRM’s mission beginnings in Central San Diego and the outpost of
gambling recovery information at Christ UM Ministry Center. One tiny click!
Still, there’s one more Click to tell about! Let’s
go back to Christ United Methodist Ministry Center. Dr. Bill Jenkins has been working on an
ever-expanding Help Website called The Fount of Blessings. Beginning in
the Greater San Diego Area, Dr. Jenkins has created a multi-resources website
that guides people in need to all kinds of services and ministries. The Fount
is now criss-crossing the United States!
It is Dr. Jenkins goal to include as many cities/counties/regions of our
country within this mega internet-resource!
For a fascinating look at the Fount and the ever-growing urban ministry
center - CMC – visit www.christsd.com
. To explore the Fount, go to www.MyFount.com .
At the beginning of this New Year 2016, let us not
underestimate the power of tiny actions … for good, for healing, and for God!
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding DirectorGambling Recovery Ministries
For more information, tiny
clicks go a long way at:
Gambling Recovery Ministries: www.grmumc.org
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Gam-Anon: www.gam-anon.org
National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling: www.indianaproblemgambling.org
Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling: www.kycpg.org
California Council on Problem Gambling: www.calpg.org
