Padraig Martin (@PadraigMartin)

You cannot fight demons until you are ready I was very little when I saw my biological father laid upon a mattress, a heroin needle in his arm, asleep. I was scared for him. I hated needles and I was especially afraid that it would break in his arm in his slumped over state. My Irish grandma had come into the apartment within which she found her daughter, my mother, passed out on the couch. She, too, was in a state of illicit intoxication. I remember my grandma holding my little brother's hand tightly with her left hand while holding my grandpa's 38 in her right. She had scared off the riff raff inside that little spot. My grandma had last seen me in a battered state - I was a child in a circuit, not unlike chicken fights, but for children. She had determined to come with an unannounced visit from Ocala. Her ferocity was unquestionable. As we left with her, I remember a great deal of anger and yet, terror. I was concerned for my mother's well being and I felt a shame for my father. When we got into her little home, my grandma was methodical, militant, and organized. She did not let us dwell on that from which we were saved. She explained the chores she expected. She explained that my uncle planned to visit us with our two female cousins that summer. She had a schedule. We would not think about the past, because it is what it is. One night, I told my grandma that I was sad for my mother and worried. I explained that I needed to be there to protect my mama. She was quiet and I could see her thinking while she sipped her tea. Finally, she spoke. "You cannot fight demons that are not yours, nor can you fight demons until you are ready." "How do I get ready?" She sat across from me quiet. So quiet, I thought I angered her. Finally, she answered: "All things in Christ. You need to know Jesus before you can fight them." I was little. I was scared of all things I did not know. I was scared of God. I was scared of the devil. I was even scared of Jesus. But I knew one thing: I promised, when I was old enough, I would make sure my children never felt as I felt at that moment. I would find Jesus and I would make sure the demons of my parents never made their way to my children. Today, I am a father who could never imagine allowing demons to deprive me of my babies - from their 20s to their teens. I love them. I will protect them. I now know the Jesus my grandma told me to seek. He is a great Lord. He defeats all sorts of demons. I am blessed by His almighty love. You can be, too. This story will continue, in Love. Y'all have a blessed night.