Psalm 119:85
The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. Psalm 119:85 ESV
My recovery journey started over 30 years ago when my cousin, James Lee Burke, told me to get to a meeting! I did not know what he meant by that since I was not drinking at the time.
So let me tell you more of the backstory in my family by starting with a Facebook post that my cousin, James Lee Burke, wrote on July 28, 2021, about his grandfather (my Great Grandfather), Walter James Burke.
Written by James Lee Burke on July 28. 2021
‘This was my grandfather's home in New Iberia, Louisiana. His name was Walter James Burke. He was state superintendent of education, president of the state senate, and one of FDR's appointed administrators of the WPA. He was also one of the few men who had the courage to testify against Huey Long during Long's impeachment trial. (The other witnesses were threatened in their homes by the state police.) He was a kind and gentle and beloved man whose virtues made a pauper of him. My father and I were at his deathbed in that house in January of 1941. His last words were, "The final chapter is written. The book is finished; the story is done. God forgive me for not teaching my children religion."‘
These are the words that James Lee Burke remembers my great-grandfather saying on his death bed. Whether these words are true or fiction, I do not know. I just know that these are the words remembered by my cousin 80 years later. I never met my Great Grandfather, Walter James Burke, I only heard stories about him.
I also never knew my grandfather (Walter Burke’s son), Oliver Hazard Burke. He died in Alexandria LA, in a VA Hospital going through DT’s (detox tremors) for the umpteenth time due to his excessive abuse of alcohol for decades.
My dad (Oliver’s son), Walter James Burke II abused prescription drugs for decades then went on permanent disability due to health issues at the age of forty-five. We now understand that his health issues were rooted in anxiety and his unrestrained access to valium. My dad died in October 2020.
My given name at birth was Walter James Burke III.
“But God is faithful…” My perfect father in heaven decided to save me from these destructive patterns of family sin. My life has been far from perfect but due to the saving work of Jesus, my life is being redeemed. I have an eternal hope and peace that surpasses all understanding.
We created Burke Care to provide Biblical care and counsel for those in need, no matter their geographic location. I pray that God would redeem my family’s addictive patterns, for His Glory and the good of others.
If you find yourself needing help to unravel your past from your present, please consider reaching out to Burke Care. Your past does not define you. God is more interested in where your heart is right now then where you have been. Email Burke Care today at info@burkecare.org.
God, Thank You for the truth about who You are. As a follower of Jesus, You are my first Father and my last Father. You make all things right for those that place their faith in Your Son, Jesus. Thank You that I am Your child and I can call You Father. Amen.
Application Questions:
1. Where do I get lost in the stories of my past?
2. How can I see my future with an abundance mentality and not a scarcity mentality?
3. What do I need to learn from my past and confidently walking away from knowing that God has it and I do not need to carry it any longer?
