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Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned into blood. Exodus 7:20 Even during my opioid addiction, with all my self-loathing, I could…
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Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Exodus 7:11-12 We took a family vacation to Mexico a couple years ago, where…
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And the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh . . .” Exodus 7:1 The term Imposter Syndrome, while not a formal mental health diagnosis, describes those who doubt their own ability and feel unworthy of their success or achievements. Despite evidence of their competence, they believe themselves to…
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The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them. Exodus 7:5 Being inherently self-centered, it’s my tendency to make everything about me. When I walk into the nurse’s station and they stop talking, I assume  they’re talking…
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But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Exodus 7:3 I’ve written previously that, even though I’m not thankful for the pain I caused in my addiction, I am thankful for my addiction. As terrible as it was,…
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But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me . . .” Exodus 6:12 A few years ago, the organization I work for was going through some major changes and I was asked to take on a very small leadership role…
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Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery. Exodus 6:9 Working in addiction medicine can be quite rewarding, but you won’t be surprised to hear that it has its frustrations as well. Some days, with some patients, it feels like…
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But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out.” Exodus 6:1 Someone asked me recently how I got into addiction medicine. So, I told them about my life 10 years ago, when I was diverting opioids to support…
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Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23 In our…
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But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2 Working with those who’re addicted, I’ve been taught to ask about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): neglect, abuse, or violence. I know from…
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