In the book Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, in the historic visit to Bill W. from his boarding school pal Ebby T. (a man nearly committed for alcoholic insanity), Ebby outlined the precepts of the Oxford Group. One of the precepts applies to this notion of humility. Practicing the giving of oneself to another is a true act of humility. Ebby told Bill W. to practice giving, as in, the giving of himself to somebody.
Personally I have learned that it is true humility which unlocks the door to the grace of God. In order to grow in humility I must begin to let go of my selfish desires and begin to have a faith in God. This eventually blossoms into a complete trust in God. Trust in God was difficult initially, as through the entire course of my life I had used my instincts and my intellect to propel me through. But, when I was faced with a self-imposed crisis that I could not overcome with my human power, I had to rely on a higher power.
As the Big Book states, "We trust in infinite God rather than finite self." Today, in this day and in this time, I trust in God. The development of this trust in God leads to a caring of others that was impossible for me before. An alcoholic who is humble enough to trust in God knows that the GIVING of self to the helping of others is a crucial tool of recovery.
Written by Armand
Humility is necessary for me before I can enjoy my faith in God. I slip in and out of humility as fear ebbs and flows into my life. I am still battling uncontrolled fear from day to day. Steps 10 through 12 allow me to improve my faith through praise to God and service to others.
ReplyDeleteJim thanks for sharing your experience. Anyone who says time doesn't matter in AA doesn't have any time. It takes time to recognize the power and pervasiveness of our human nature which in turn clarifies our powerlessness and thrusts us to seek and trust in God at a much deeper level...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteI had a desire to give but had nothing worthwhile to offer. I yearned for humility but had none. I lived in fear, acting recklessly in every area of my life. Drinking was my solution although I knew I would ultimately die as a result. Finally, I found AA and the program of recovery patiently found me. The Steps introduced me to myself through The Divine Power Within me. My spirit was awakened through the program-directed gift of reaching out to my fellow sufferers. Today I know how to lead my life - by sharing it with you. Getting was what I sought but giving is what I got. The love of and in AA has given me a life that I love. There is no greater joy than the daily awareness that I have me to give - through The Power Within me and within all of us.
ReplyDeleteMichael love when you wrote 'getting was what I sought but giving was what i got." In Alcoholics Anonymous we are transformed through the Grace of God from go getters to go givers...thank you...Armand
DeleteThis Comment Is From A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
ReplyDeleteArmand,
Nothing cuts us off from the incredible plans That God has for us like self centeredness. It is an insidious and relentless thief of every joy that has been promised and contained in Gods ultimate will for us. For it is written, Isaiah 14: 12-14 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
Consider the implication of his last statement, "I will be like the Most High," not above but like. It has a deceptively implied legitimacy, for he isn't claiming supremacy but peerage or a position equal to the Creator and Sustainer of all things seen and unseen. It is rooted solely in pride. "Cunning, powerful and deadly" and it's ultimate destination is desolation. This well hidden self-centered pride pollutes everything. It stunts my spiritual growth, hobbles my relationships and causes me to miss His blessings. When I allow pride to reign, life becomes bland, truth becomes relative and values become debased. The antidote to this spiritual sickness is a life manifest in repentance and sanctification rooted in Gods Word through the daily practice of the 12 Steps.
Today my prayer is to listen to the Lord's fear dispelling words to me. "Fear not, I am with you. I will never leave or forsake you. You are Mine for eternity. Seek to please only Me and you will have nothing and no one to fear. My love casts out fear. You don't have to worry about being inadequate ever again. I am your strength, wisdom and courage. Let go of your own control and humbly trust Me to guide you every step of the way. You don't need fear to manipulate people anymore. You are free to motivate them with My love, freely given that you may share and experience My joy in giving My love to others through you..."
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic a vital spiritual experience is the solution to our alcoholism and living surrendered to the will of God can only occur for a humble Alcoholic...Thank you...Armand
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