My Side
We're at the crossroads

Pastor Rock Pifer is a respected clergyman and religious leader who is affiliated with the Cameron County Christian Center and the Gardeau Community Church.

As I have been reflecting over the recent developments concerning drug and alcohol abuse in our community, I want to share a few thoughts.

I suspect that what is needed for lasting relief of our drug and alcohol problem is a radical change in the culture that we have found ourselves waking up to. We did not get here overnight, and the way out will not happen overnight either.

Education is great, yet it has limits. We can teach kids all about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but unless we change the culture, little will come of education.

Parents need to be educated, too -- not so much on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, but educated on the things that our kids are interested in.

When was the last time we actually listened to, and read the lyrics of, the music our son or daughter is listening to?

A real eye-opener for many parents would be to subscribe to the Internet "community" known as My Space, and cruise around and see how our children are presenting themselves to the world.

Be prepared; it is a hazardous place to go, but many of our children go there very often.

Now back to the issue at hand. What we need is more fundamental shift, something at the core of who we are, for lasting changes to take place.

The first step is to recognize that where we are is not good.

The second step is to take responsibility for the condition we have found ourselves in. It is easy to point fingers, and shift blame. I for one can confidently say that I have been more a part of the problem than a solution, due to inaction, indifference, "too busy to get involved . . . not my kids," etc.

The third step is to begin walking in a new direction. This might mean a radical change in the way we deal with our kids.

It might mean re-examining our faith roots, changing our political structure. All of these things will take time, but every journey begins with one step forward.

I think we can do this; no, we must do it!

The Bible contains an interesting verse that has been rolling around in my heart these days from Jeremiah 6:16:

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

Perhaps it is time to look for the ancient paths, clear them out, and start walking on them again.

I will be asking God for clear direction. Join me, won't you? I am sure He will give it to us.