We learned through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous that we must admit we are powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. We must concede to our innermost self that we are alcoholic and, yes, we must admit complete defeat. Once we have done this we have THE FOUNDATION FOR PROGRESS, in the actual program of Alcoholics Anonymous, upon which we can build a real and honest life. This life of pure contribution allows us to be who we were created to be, thus restoring our self-esteem and allowing others to be themselves around us without any judgement on our part. Our real and honest life will be ours to live, measured in and by the love we give away.
Written by Armand
Conceding to my innermost self that I was an alcoholic was not only the first step in recovery, it was also the first contact I ever had with my innermost
ReplyDeleteself. Through all the drunken nights, broken promises, horrendous hangovers, failed resolutions, there was always an innermost self. Innermost self - IS - is where The Power resides, as much a part of me as I am. Deep down within me at the base of my foundation. That awareness is the foundation for progress in my life and for transformation, provided I incorporate The Twelve Steps into my life. My innermost self requires action of the highest form, spiritual action. That comes to me on torrents as long as I "keep my head in the clouds with Him but my feet planted firmly on the ground. That is where I've met my fellow travelers and that is the foundation from which my work must be done. The only foundation for progress available to me.
Michael the journey begins with an admittance and becomes a breathing life with an absolute surrender...Thank you so much...Armand
DeleteFantastic post and comment. Thank you Armand and Michael.
ReplyDeleteJimmy H Welcome and please continue to comment...Thanks...Armand
DeleteThis Comment Is From A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
ReplyDeleteHumility, for this gratefully recovering alcoholic, was and now is the only foundation for progress... It is no coincidence that the 12 Steps of AA are recorded by the founders in the order in which they are presented and that their universal experience of that Divinely inspired journey was one and the same. If we follow their path and keep an open mind we will soon discover that each and every "suggestion" has been written by the finger of God from eternity past and is lovingly brought to life through His person and Spirit by the direct testimony simply yet profoundly contained in these Steps.
This undeserved invitation for forgiveness and renewal always begins with a call for the humble admission of our present condition, commonly fueled by an underlying desperate desire for escape. For who among us could admit we were powerless over anything let alone our delusional dependence upon that same poisonous substance we had grown to love as a much needed propellent for misguided appetites of a depraved heart, mind and spirit.
Before the first books were ever written chronicling their imperfect journey along that perfect plan, viz. the 12 Steps of AA, they were admittedly guided by the greatest story ever told, the Bible. But they knew that few respond to the impersonal witness of the Living Word delivered by those who never experienced that Devine reprieve from the dungeon of hell called alcoholism and thus, the fellowship was born.
Simply Consider 2 Chronicles 7:14-16, written three thousand years ago: 14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually."
Even a quick study of these three verses reveals in its entirety the spiritual process of all 12 Steps of AA. Is not this "house" spoken of in these passages the collective hearts and minds of those who have followed this path and invited Him within to eternally reside? Just as a shallow practice of the Steps will soon reveal that resistance to these principals is futile so to will even the shallowest attempts at surrender bring blessings that far surpass anything that we could have hoped for or imagined.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Yes, the Author has personally declared not only the solution to our problem but the blessing that follows. May you find Him now.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic every alcoholic who heals begins with an admission. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says that the admission of alcoholism must come from the innermost self. Once achieved the alcoholic is on their way to a life in which their thoughts are propelled by the will of God. There that same alcoholic who was defeated and powerless becomes the human being that God created them to be by sharing their love and joy...Thank you...Armand
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