With the help of trick photography and carefully planned stunts, Michael Douglas appeared to be the bravest of the brave. In the movie "Romancing the Stone", he took risks and faced dangers that are unthinkable to the average person. But, that's the movies.
In the real world, believe it or not, I encounter actual people who, because of the perils they experience, make the feats of the movie world pale in comparison. I know people who daily risk their health, reputations, and worldly possessions, as well as their lives.
No, I'm not talking about cops, firefighters, rescue workers or soldiers. I'm talking about people from nearly every profession, background, sex, race and age. Not only do these people risk the above mentioned things, but they also risk (and often lose) their morality, sanity, integrity, family ties, friends, jobs and their freedom. What is it that would cause these people to risk so much so often? They must be the bravest, most courageous people the world has ever known! Well, not really.
Like the heroes and villains in the movie, these folks, too, are involved in a relentless pursuit of the stone. Their lust for the seeming magic of the stone causes most of those, spellbound by it's magnetic power, to stop at nothing in their quest to obtain it. Their activities include such things as lying, cheating, stealing, robbing, sexual perversion, facing and dealing with strangers in dark alleys, double-crossing friends, betraying family unity and worse! They seem unafraid of the dangers of aids, unpredictable criminals, jails, prisons, or even death. Their demonically controlled passion turns these ordinary people into creatures of prey, wanting only what they want, and willing to go to any length to get it. With no tricks or stunts, these peole perform life and death feats that are very real. Their "do-it-or-die" passions become so powerful that, not only are they endangering their own lives, but also the lives of each and every member of society. They are in your neighborhood! They may have been in your house while you were gone! In fact, they may be in there right now, in your very presence!
These people did not become the victims of mysterious body snatchers. Instead, they have fallen victim to the sanity-robbing addiction of crack cocaine! These addicts are often referred to as rock stars or stoneheads. What a sad paradox that those who only crave for "a piece of the rock" will ultimately be stoned to death by the same "treasure' for which they lust!
If you or someone you know are carrying on a sordid love affair by "romancing the stone", all is not lost. Help and hope are available. Seek it now and seek it fast, lest you, like others before you, degenerate rapidly and die from this real life "fatal attraction".
I know many people who are overcoming this dangerous and deadly illness. There is no doubt in my mind that you can, too. Faith and a willingness to seek and accept help from others are the beginning steps to becoming restored to sanity and eventually regaining your freedom to make your own choices; choices that can be based on real love instead of the false illusions created by the deceptions of a rock romance, a romance that will eventually lure you into an intimate dance with your own death! So, act today because "someday" is the one day that never comes.
Earl Callaway