Daily Reprieve - May

[bluidkiti]

May 1

A POWERFUL EXPERIENCE

“They believe in themselves, and still more in the Power which pulls chronic alcoholics back from the gates of death.” - Alcoholics Anonymous, page xxv

“He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.” – Psalm 107:14

For what it’s worth: Alcoholism’s chains seemed unbreakable. I felt hopelessly locked in the darkness and gloom of its prison. That is how I came to AA. I had no idea that there was a Power here strong enough to break those chains and release me from that prison. Now I believe in that Power. I have that life-saving experience to give me hope whenever I face any threat or difficulty. And every single time I have called on that Power, my Heavenly Father, He has always been there for me.

God bless you!
Joe W.

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May 2

“MY LAST DEBAUCH”

“In reality that was the beginning of my last debauch.” - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 8

“Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” – Psalm 80:7

For what it’s worth: One way or the other, “my last debauch” will be a reality. I pray to my Heavenly Father that mine is done. It was enough. And I suffered enough. I do not believe I would survive another.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 3

“When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 52

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.” - Romans 5:3-4

For what it’s worth: Problems were always dealt with by drinking. Most certainly, that compounded the problem. But I continued that insanity for years. In Alcoholics Anonymous I was taught to turn any problem over to my Higher Power. And, ever time I have done that, my Heavenly Father has proven He will take care of me and my difficulty. And He does it with love.

God bless you!

Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 4

THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS

“Both you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 100

“Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” Psalm 143:8

For what it’s worth: During my active years of alcoholism I was not walking, but falling rapidly into hell. Alcoholics Anonymous was the net God used to break my fall. I was placed on that path where rarely do we see a person fail, and I was taught to walk day by day in the direction of spiritual progress. I gave myself to God and He gave Himself to me. Not only does He show me where to walk, He walks with me. In my weakness, however, I tend to let go of God’s hand and lose site of my goal, wandering around aimlessly, distracted from anything spiritual, or lost in a spiritually dry desert. One way my Heavenly Father brings me back on track is introducing me to another suffering soul who needs help. He knows that working with others is a powerful tool for maintaining my spiritual condition. I have to be a good example, living the Twelve Steps day by day, guiding the other person up those Steps as we both walk with our Heavenly Father toward spiritual progress.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 5

PROTECTION & CARE

"We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59

"No one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." John 10: 28

For what it's worth: All was lost to alcoholism, and I ended up deeply insecure, easily threatened, and highly mistrustful. I carried these traits into Alcoholics Anonymous, feeling skeptical of the people and the program, even afraid of losing the hope I found at my first meeting. My fear caused me to talk with my sponsor and he suggested the Third Step of Alcoholics Anonymous. I found the “protection and care” I so desperately needed when I made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God. Instead of losing the hope, it has grown. Everything I place in God's hands increases in value. No one can snatch away any of God's gifts, except me.....I would lose all with that first drink.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 6

COUNTING ON GOD

“First of all, we had to quit playing God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62

“I am counting on the Lord. I have put my hope in His word.” Psalm 130: 5

For what it's worth: Insecure and mistrusting, I felt an overwhelming need to control. But my best efforts failed. And no wonder, I was living without God and a slave to alcohol. Finally, when there was nowhere else to turn for help, I came to Alcoholics Anonymous. I was desperate, so I did what was suggested. After all, it had worked for thousands of others. I accepted my powerlessness and my need for a Higher Power. And I came to believe that God cared for me and would grant whatever I needed, if I asked. Throughout my sober years in Alcoholics Anonymous I have asked for God's help unknown times. He always provides. And I am always amazed at His creativity in the ways He takes care of even my smallest needs.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 7

REACHABLE

"Afterward, we found our selves accepting many things which then seemed entirely out of reach." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 47

"It (a mustard seed) is the smallest of all seeds, but it ... grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches." Matthew 13: 31-32

For what it's worth: Life did not work for me, so recovery would not work for me. I could not do what was required, especially the “God stuff”. But I had not counted on the Power of Alcoholics Anonymous to grow even the least likely to successful sobriety. The small seed of hope that was planted at my first meeting grew until I was able to reach what I believed was unreachable. Ever so slowly, I accepted my powerlessness and the unmanageable of my life and came to trust a Higher Power. I put myself in God's hands and He has not dropped me since. And I have noticed, when storms blow hard, He holds me tighter.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 8

A FIRM FOUNDATION

"Adversity truly introduces us to ourselves." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 530, (Fourth Edition)

"After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." 1 Peter 5:10

For what it's worth: Growing up in an alcoholic family and my own alcoholism reduced my life to warfare. To survive, I built strong defenses. It was lonely behind those walls. And fighting life day after day created raging inner torment. I sought relief in Alcoholics Anonymous with no idea of the severity of the pain necessary to surrender and tear down my defenses. I would not have had the strength to endure except for the supportive people of Alcoholics Anonymous and the grace of God. As I sobered up and came out from behind my walls, the Twelve Steps introduced me to myself and to a merciful God who loved me just as the war-torn mess I was. We have worked hard together for many sober years, building a solid foundation for a life of peace. Today I will enjoy it and be grateful.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 9

THE RESOURCES NEEDED

“He provided what we needed.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63

“He offers strength to the weak.” Isaiah 40: 29

For what it's worth: Never having been wrapped too tight, it was easy for Alcoholism to rip me apart. I could find no one to help put me back together until I came to my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, expecting nothing, finding resources I needed to be whole. The people, the Twelve Steps, and the grace of God took the parts left over of the weak, worthless drunk I was and are creating a sober and totally different human being, stronger than ever before, and, certainly, wrapped a lot tighter.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 10

LITTLE IN RETURN

"When I first came to this Fellowship, I had lost my health and sanity, my friends, much of my family, my self-respect, and my God. In the years since, all of these have been restored to me." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 368, Fourth Edition

"With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!" Isaiah 12: 3

For what it's worth: Everything of value was ruined by my alcoholism. I had no hope any would ever be restored. That despair is all I brought to my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, but I left with hope that my ruins could be restored. And, indeed, through my years living the Twelve Steps in Alcoholics Anonymous, a merciful God has given me a new family and reconstructed everything of value in my life. I thank Him many times each day. Still, I am very much aware of how little I do for Him in return.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 11

MAGNIFICENCE

"The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25

"The Lord will work out his plans for my life -- for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever." Psalm 138: 8

For what it's worth: A painting of my drinking days would be murky and dark, showing a blurred figure stumbling and falling as he was running to escape the sad reality of what life had become. The next painting, full of bright, warm colors, would clearly show a man climbing Twelve Steps up to a place in the painting shining so brilliantly no color can express it. That is a painting of my sober years in Alcoholics Anonymous painted by the Master Artist. When I “let go and let God”, His works are magnificent!

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 12

HE LEADS, I FOLLOW

“…We ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

“He will give you another Counselor who will never leave you.” John 14:16

For what it's worth: Alcoholism dumped me at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous with an empty heart, a dark soul, alone, confused, indecisive, and wandering about without direction, purpose or meaning. I was just right for the people of Alcoholics Anonymous. They knew exactly what to do. They directed me to a Counselor. He and I have worked together for many sober years now, and I find my Guide is more like a Good Shepherd. He leads, I follow. When I am not sure which way to go, He shows me. He is always with me, even in storms when the path is dark. And He knows I tend to go astray more than most of His flock, so he keeps a close eye on me. When I go off on my own, He comes after me, carrying me in his arms, near his heart, back to the right path.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 13

THE POWER OF LOVE

“Our fears fall from us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 75

“Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away.” Romans 8: 38

For what it's worth: My alcoholism was a disease of unknown fears that motivated my behavior without my knowledge. I would have died unaware had it not been for a merciful God rescuing me from my life of fear and placing me in a safe and caring place, Alcoholics Anonymous. As I live one day at a time, practicing the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, I develop a childlike relationship with my Heavenly Father. And as I grow closer to Him each day, especially holding on to Him tightly during storms, I more deeply experience my Heavenly Father's love, a love “even the powers of hell can't keep away”. Opening my mind and heart to His love, I live with trust and my fears fall from me.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 14

THE HARD WAY

“We had to learn these things the hard way.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 121

“So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle.” Jeremiah 10: 24

For what it's worth: Years of miserable existence in alcoholism left me mistrustful and stubborn. I was arrogant and defiant. And I was angry. Only a miracle could change me. By the grace of God, I stopped drinking when I came to Alcoholics Anonymous, but I still carried my garbage and my attitude. For me to dump it requires years of sobriety and hard work with the Twelve Steps and professional help. Looking back, I see the people of Alcoholics Anonymous and God are always gentle and patient with me as they teach me to surrender my way for His way - a simple task that I do the hard way.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 15

THE FIERY TONGUE

"Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now take them all -- every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 76

"The tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself." James 3: 6

For what it's worth: Relationships were cremated by the fire of the tongue when combined with alcohol and the self-righteousness and self-absorption of my alcoholism. Thank God, sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous has given me tools to drown the fire. But coals can still flare up even after years of living the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and practicing the Prayer of St. Francis. Loved ones and close relationships can be harmed, not to mention the agony caused me. This is a hard core defect that demands my perseverance with Steps Six and Seven, daily begging God to remove it. I am so very grateful He loves me just as I am, with my defects still outnumbering my virtues.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 16

A GLORIOUS MIRACLE

“I have hope to share and love to give, and I just keep going one day at a time, living this adventure called life.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 288 (Fourth Edition)

“Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise Him half enough?” Psalm 106: 2

For what it's worth: Alcoholism was a disease of take, take, take, and it left nothing to give. It was only after I attended my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous that I had anything of value to give. That was the hope I found there - a treasure from God for one who had lived so long in despair. Alcoholics Anonymous taught me to keep it I had to give it away. So, one day at a time, I keep on this path where “rarely have we seen a person fail”, trying to give hope to anyone in need that God puts before me that day. For a once worthless drunk to be able to share a gift of God with another suffering soul is, indeed, a glorious miracle. And, truly, I can never thank him enough.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 17

THE FIERCE LION

“He begins to think life doesn't treat him right.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 61

“I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey...My heart is confident in you, O God.” Psalm 57: 4 & 7

For what it's worth: My belief that life did not treat me right promoted self-pity and fueled my drinking for years. My pride did not want to admit self-pity, so I did not identify it until I was long sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Then I learned how to combat it - exactly what I have to do as soon as it attacks - go to war with it. Self-pity is a fierce lion roaring into my soul to devour my sobriety. And I foolishly open the door to it as soon as I become the least non-accepting of life on life's terms. When self-pity first strikes, I have to run to my Heavenly Father, thinking of all His blessings as I run. Gratitude drives out self-pity. When I am with my Heavenly Father and telling him how much I appreciate all of the gifts He has so freely given me, self-pity cannot mount an attack. This battle plan has worked so well so often that I feel confident my Heavenly Father and I will slay the fierce lion again should it attack when I am weak.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 18

A SURE JOURNEY

“Some of us grow into it more slowly.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 57

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalms 119: 130

For what it's worth: Alcoholism reduced me to a mess of shame and fear, and I used arrogance and anger to hide it. Fortunately, Alcoholics Anonymous accepted me just as I was. My defenses slowed progress until I began to trust the people and the process of Alcoholics Anonymous. Then I was free to experience a gradual awareness of God's love in my life, even before Alcoholics Anonymous, otherwise I could not have walked through the door. It is by the grace of God that I am sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, traveling hand in hand with Him one day at a time up to an even higher and happier place. The path we are on may seem dark and complicated at times as it passes through deserts and up mountains, but as long as I keep it simple and hold on to my Heavenly Father's hand, the progress is sure.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 19

GOD'S GARDENERS

“We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot or will not work with you.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 96

“One man sows and another reaps.” John 4:37

For what it's worth: When I finally knocked at the door of Alcoholics Anonymous, I believed I had nothing left to give. Alcoholism had taken it all. The people of Alcoholics Anonymous, however, taught me I had a precious gift to offer other suffering alcoholics; one they may never receive otherwise; namely, how I got sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Additionally, I was taught giving the gift was my best way of remaining sober. Being desperate to stay sober, I tried to carry the message as often as possible. I would save the world. But the world did not want to be saved, and I ran into strong resistance. Naturally, I wanted to fight back, but my sponsor pointed out that this Twelve Step work was keeping me sober, and that I might be planting a seed that later would grow into sobriety for the suffering, resistant soul. Since then, this once no good drunk has been blessed to be one of God's gardeners. I have planted a lot of seeds.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 20

A REBORN SPIRIT

“We were reborn.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63

"Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit." John 3: 8

For what it's worth: Resentment and alcohol locked my mind against anything regarding religion, and the term "reborn" sounded too religious to me. Once the alcohol was eliminated, and I was long sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, living the Twelve Steps, I experienced a “spiritual awakening”. I could not identify it and I did not know words to express it, but I realized there was a change deep inside me. I knew I was a different man. Call it “reborn” if you will, but it is far more than religious in nature - it is definitely spiritual. A Spirit of light and comfort has entered my once dark and empty soul. I no longer spit at myself in the mirror; I trust now; my fears have subsided; the conflict in my gut is gone; the intensity and rage are calm; my defiance has disappeared; and, I no longer fight the world and God – I have surrendered. God and I are on the same side now. Actually, we travel together on a daily spiritual journey. I am deeply grateful He chose this once worthless drunk to be with Him, and I have noticed we make better progress when He leads and I follow.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 21

BUILDING SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES

"Now we try to put spiritual principles to work in every department of our lives." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 116

"Their foundation is dust, and they are crushed as easy as moths." Job 4:19

For what it's worth: My foundation was easily crushed when I fell into alcoholism. Eventually, no morals remained and self was my only care. With everything focused on me, I hurt everyone I touched and drove them away. In time, that lonely existence produced unbearable misery, forcing me to do something I never thought I would do: ask for help. When I finally asked Alcoholics Anonymous, I found that I needed long-term intensive care, consisting of daily meetings, close contact with long-time members, doing service work, going to institution meetings, and an introduction to the Twelve Steps and a Higher Power. That started me building a solid foundation of spiritual principles for a new life with the Twelve Steps as my tools and the grace of a loving God as my strength. Now, daily, I have to ensure my foundation is no longer “dust”, “crushed as easy as moths”, and that those spiritual principles “work in every department” of my life. I am dependent upon God’s help with this each day. I must admit He always works harder than I do, and He is much better at it than I am. But I do not let that bother me. After all, He has been doing this work a lot longer than I have.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 22

THE BIG “IF”

“On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

For what it's worth: During my years of alcoholic despair, the sunrise brought neither light nor warmth into my dark gloom. Each day was a day of dread. And I expected no change when I attended my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Sure, I knew that A.A. had helped others, but it could not help me. Despite my defeatism and arrogant resistance, however, it was at my first meeting that I found a ray of light, a slight embrace of warmth, and a drop of hope. And that strong undercurrent of impending doom swallowing me loosened its grip. It continued to release me with each meeting I attended. I began seeing the light and experiencing the warmth and hope of each new dawn. I was no longer dreading each day but actually enjoying a few. Slowly, I came to understand what A.A. people had been telling me about one day at a time. And, with practice over a long period of sobriety, I learned to take life that way – one day at a time – because that is how it comes. When I awake, there are only twenty-four hours ahead. And this is the day that God has made for me, no other, not yesterday, and not tomorrow. If I put His will before mine and rejoice and be glad in these twenty-four hours with Him - it will be a great day.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 23

A BIG DIFFERENCE

“Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84

“You will be changed into a different person.” 1 Samuel 10:6

For what it's worth: What alcoholism made of me was not pretty. What Alcoholics Anonymous and a Higher Power are creating is much different – perhaps not prettier, but much different. I am not the same man I was before. Oh, I can revert back and be even worse. The progressive nature of this disease would see to that. But, today, that is not likely because of one gigantic change that takes place as soon as I am awake. Before, I dreaded each day and cursed God for making me suffer another one. Today, I thank God first thing each new day and spend time with Him, seeking His will for that new day. And, occasionally, I actually do it.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 24

SIMPLY BEING HIS

"I find joy in my daily life, in being of service, in simply being.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 475, (Fourth Edition)

"You will make known to me the path of life." Psalm 16: 11

For what it's worth: Alcoholism drove me to suicidal drinking every night. I dreaded facing another miserable day. When I awoke and realized I did not die, I cursed God for being so cruel, making me suffer another day in my death. Instead of death, thanks to God’s loving mercy, each day became a day in my life, and I thank God that I did not die. He led me to a “path of life” in Alcoholics Anonymous, and as I walked this path, I experienced “joy in my daily life”. Likewise, I experienced how easy it is to miss this joy on any given day, when I place my interests before God’s. I have done this too often, so, today I will try to be mindful that my life is not about ME, it is God’s. I will do my best “being of service, in simply being” His.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 25

A GOOD & SAFE PLACE

"You don't have to cry here. This is a good place." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 431 (Fourth Edition)

"Oh, that my eyes were a fountain of tears; I would weep forever!" Jeremiah 9:1

For what it's worth: Tired of living, frightened of death, my tears of despair seemed forever. Many desperate but halfhearted attempts at change had already failed, so there was no hope when I reluctantly walked into my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Surprisingly, the depth of sharing in the language of the heart among the people there grabbed onto me and I kept coming back as they asked. I believed they meant it. Actually, I found A.A. to be a “good place” where I felt safe to cry a lake or two of tears of regret and shame. Gradually, those lakes dried out, but I still cry. When I do, they are tears of gratitude and joy – an ocean full.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 26

A SUNRISE OF HOPE

“We had to find a power by which we could live...” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 45

“My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 40: 11

For what it's worth: As a slave to alcoholism, every day opened with the darkness of despair. Sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous changes everything. It is a ray of light bursting through the darkness. Now each day opens with a sunrise of hope. Sure, some days there are clouds trying to block the sunshine. But a merciful, loving Higher Power that I found in Alcoholics Anonymous never fails to part the clouds so a sunrise of hope can shine all day.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 27

SOMETHING TO GIVE

“But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven't got.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164

“If I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.” 1 Corinthians 13: 3

For what it's worth: Alcoholism destroyed all the love in my life and left me feeling incapable of love. I felt empty and worthless when I attended my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I had nothing to give. But I found people there who had plenty to give. They gave me the priceless treasure of a merciful Higher Power who I came to trust loved me unconditionally. They gave me a proven program of Twelve Steps that, in turn, gave me a spiritual experience that left me feeling capable of love. All during this time these good people were showing me how to give as they gave. And as I followed them, doing what they did, I learned to give. Now, as they taught me, I can give love away to keep it, and when another suffering soul reaches out for love, I want to be there.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 28

STOPPING -- ONLY THE START

"If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 76

"...You have freed me from my bonds." Psalm 116:16

For what it's worth: Alcoholism ruined me from the inside out, including every part of my being. A total transformation was necessary for recovery. The only Program I found capable of this was Alcoholics Anonymous. First, I had to stop drinking, and as difficult and significant as that was, it was only the start. Abstinence then allowed the steel doors to open to reveal the real me, chained in many bonds - bondage of self, slavery to habits of reaction, defense mechanisms, old ideas, unknown fears, and resentments. The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and a merciful Higher Power are working together to set me free. And it looks like gaining total freedom will be a life long process. So every morning I ask God for willingness to persevere and enough humility to ask for help.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 29

EXPERIENCING THE SUNSHINE

“I stood in the sunlight at last.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 12

“What a wonderful God he is! His radiance is like the sunshine.” Habakkuk 3:4

For what it's worth: Alcoholism is a dark, gloomy, and miserable existence. Perhaps that is why one experience in my life is so significant. I was sober about six years in Alcoholics Anonymous when a near death experience resulted in a long hospital stay. It seemed I had been hospitalized forever when a kind nurse asked if I needed anything. I asked her to take me out into the sunshine. She wheel chaired me outdoors and allowed me to stay there a short while. When I remember that day, I still feel grateful. And, if I am having a dark day, recalling it I can experience the warmth and radiance of simply sitting in the sunshine.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 30

ACCEPTANCE AND TRUST

"Acceptance is the key to my relationship with God today." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 420, (Fourth Edition)

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” Romans 8:28

For what it's worth: In my insane alcoholic mind, it certainly was not alcohol, it was God causing my miserable existence. Surely, He did not care for me. I needed to be sober and sane in Alcoholics Anonymous for a long period before my relationship with God improved. Acceptance of my alcoholism came first. Then, much later, I accepted that I was still alive and sober because of God's love. As my acceptance of God's love grew, I came to believe I could trust Him. Gradually, I came to know God as my Heavenly Father, and I was seeing that He was causing everything, especially difficulties, to work together for my good. I also accepted His purpose for me. This level of acceptance inspired my love for Him and my willingness to do His will. Since I still have difficulty doing that, I am extremely grateful that I can climb up in my Heavenly Father's lap, tell Him I am sorry, and ask Him to help me do better. He always does because He loves me. This gift of acceptance and trust of my Heavenly Father's love is the foundation of any spiritual progress I might achieve.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

May 31

FROM TORMENTED TO TRUSTING

"The insidiousness of alcoholism is an appalling thing." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 382 (Fourth Edition)

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you." Psalm 9: 10

For what it's worth: Alcoholism mixed with mistrust created a tormented, defiant soul. But I could not see the cause. Denial hid it from me. Finally, a deep inner pain drove me to seek relief in Alcoholics Anonymous. With the drink gone, I was able to see the problem and find a path out of the anguish. I have traveled that path for years now, living the Twelve Steps, seeking and finding a loving Heavenly Father, and most days my soul overflows with joy. On the other days my soul survives by trusting God's love.

God bless you!
Joe W.