In The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions it is written: "A continuous look at our assets and liabilities, and a real desire to learn and grow by this means, are necessities for us. We alcoholics have learned this the hard way. More experienced people, of course, in all times and places have practiced unsparing self-survey and criticism. For the wise have always known that no one can make much of his life until self-searching becomes a regular habit, until he is able to ADMIT and ACCEPT what he finds, and until he patiently and persistently tries to correct what is wrong.
Through daily inventory we can admit and accept that our character defects are a part of our human nature, a part that cannot manifest if we are truly living in the will of God. We are completely capable of understanding, if the proper work on the 12 steps is thoroughly done, that our human nature is in fact defected. We must accept this about ourselves if we desire to be recovered.
In the program of Alcoholics Anonymous it is often said, "Let go and let God." The "Let go" part is turning from the incessant prompts of our human nature and the "Let God" part is living in, and thereby manifesting, the will of God. Living in the raw-natured will of God, our character defects cannot be manifested in our behavior - it is in such a spiritual place that our nature can be perfected as we become the human being that God created us to be.
Self-survey is a most powerful tool of recovery.
Harry Emerson Fosdick, philosopher, pastor, and Bill Wilson contemporary once said that self-confrontation is the beginning of a meaningful life. My experience in the program of recovery bears that out. Until I took an unsparing look at my defective character and its damaging consequences in Step Four, my life was essentially meaningless. Family, friends, interests, career - all satiated with alcoholic self-loathing, all basically valueless. In admitting and accepting my miserable human condition, I was first introduced to the path of a life worth living. Through The Twelve Steps, that path led me inward where I found The Power Within me, the unsuspected inner resource with which to begin a life of trust and service. As a result of that transformation, I have come to know and live a contented, peaceful life. And to fully realize its purpose - to give it all away.
ReplyDeleteMichael To be the being God created us to be is a life worth living...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteIt was my base instinct for survival that compelled my first surrender and opened the door to Eternal Light. As my journey continued the mystery surrounding the purpose for my existence slowly began to dissolve. I have been pulled from the wilderness and placed on a path, a very narrow path and although the direction appears vague I am at peace with the knowledge that the destination is secure even though the path often appears fearfully uneven with scattered pitfalls along the way.
As I wrestle this fearful conundrum He recalls to my heart the words of Chapter 5, "We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." And I sense I'm about to further plumb the depths and breath of the meaning of "complete", but not out of mere desperation, but a conscience act of the will. I drop to my knees and fervently seek the One who has placed me here, Who lovingly reminds that I have abandoned my desire to become my own worst nightmare and the path that served as a living definition of "the broad road that leads to destruction."
He reminds me "It's a simple program" that I all too often fearfully make complex. I need only place my weaknesses before Him and failure is replaced by forgiveness and fear is replaced by faith. He is my Constant Compass and His Word is now my map. My one true and only source of security, in every insecurity, encountered along the road.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic an alcoholic moves from seeking God out of need to survive to seeking God out of willingness to grow and evolve into the being God created us to be...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteDanish welcome and I am glad that you got something out of it. I encourage you to continue to comment and share your thoughts...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteSatish
ReplyDeleteI am seeking God’s guidance and to live in the will of God. I am aware of my defects and see that FEAR can cause me to live in the defect. I need God’s help to remove my fears and direct my attention to what he would have me be...
ReplyDeleteJessica alcohol is but a symptom of our true malady, sel centered fear. Afraid we are not going to get what we want, afraid we will lose what we have. The solution is a vital spiritual experience.We give life to our relationship with God by living in His will...Thank you...Armand
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