It is through all our experience with our character defects that we've realized and recognized, set boundaries and applied cognitive therapy and behavioral modification but all to no avail - using these methods is like applying a band aid to a festering sore. What we really must do is get to
the root of the problem. Our character defects exist in our human nature,
not in the will of God. Therefore, if we are willing to perform the work necessary for the Spirit to be awakened within us by living in the back half of The Eleventh Step, "Praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out" (
Alcoholics Anonymous) , our character defects will not and cannot possibly manifest in our behaviors. The power to carry out such knowledge must come from God, as our human nature will only try to sustain our selfish desires. Once we have taken this step we have pulled
the root of the problem from it's poisonous soils.
Some of us have learned through our experiences that we must do this - turn from our human nature and live in the will of God - if our character defects are not to exist in our behavior. Many of us have not. In Alcoholics Anonymous it is often said, "Let go and let God." The "let go" part is in the letting go of our thought process propelled by our human instincts. The "let God" part is thereafter, in which we surrender to the idea that God will propel our thought process through His inspiration. Inspiration is defined as "the thoughts of God implanted in the mind and soul of man." When this transformation of thought has occurred, the root of the problem has truly been healed.
Written by Armand
Somehow I was leadened with fear from the earliest age. Thus, over time I created a persona while leaving the person behind. To that persona I added glaring character defects, as fear was the basis of my inadequate self-identity. In a way I was my own higher power struggling and depleting all my energy in my effort to live up to what I deemed were your expectations of me. In today's language, my narrative was completely of my own making complete with the attendant character defects to give life and to portray the image. As a result of this completely misbegotten attempt at living, alcohol became the one and only solution. But alcohol or nothing else of this earth could transform me into the person I was born to be. It was only by incorporating The Steps into my life in such a way that they became my life that I found The Power Within me who could love me through the process of becoming the person I could be and hope today that I am.
ReplyDeleteMichael only through the Grace of God...Thank you...Armand
DeleteSpeaking for myself, the root of my problem is my ego. Self centeredness and self seeking behavior crushed my being and affected anyone that came into contact with me. I was the problem. Even I got tired thinking about myself constantly. My ego was my master and it controlled my thinking, feeling and behavior. It was that flash of sanity given to me by God that propelled me into the rooms of AA. Once I got there, I found a sponsor. The fellowship was also helpful and between my sponsor and friends, carried me until I was able to comprehend the steps and learn to rely on God to give me the direction to put me on the path. Being in AA is like the game of golf, I will never be good at it but the daily work, I improve my handicap.
ReplyDeleteJim reliance upon God is a necessity if we are to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. In Bill's story Bill says "simple but not easy. It meant destruction of self centeredness(ego). We had to turn to the light in all things,",,,Thank you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteThe root of the problem is, was and always will be my unwillingness to answer the clear clarion call of God. This is the universal struggle even the most immature mind can comprehend for His call is unmistakable. His will for the day is always above my understanding and always requires His power to accomplish. He never reveals the end from the beginning for therein is the opportunity for real faith to be manifest for that day. If I am obedient in the moment and not fear that the "consequences" of my decisions may result in the "perceived loss" of what lies ahead in the unseen future, I will discover the blessing, deepen my faith and experience the true joy and freedom in life that can be apprehended in no other way. Living this life on the surface of the pond is an empty false flag adventure at best. A finite illusion of the infinite reality that can only be experienced with the True Guide and Lover of our souls. Having been dashed on the rocks too many times to count I have abandoned my swim up the rapids. For by His grace and mercy I am discovering the only Fountain of Life that leads to the ocean of love that is the essence of His being...
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic incorporating the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous into our life in such a way that they become our life leads us to a surrender in this moment. Here we are free of our nature and aware of the will of God...Thank you...Armand
Deletermand, thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteHaving cleared away the wreckage of my past and established a relationship with God through the previous steps, I now discover that I have been propelled into a new dimension. Life is no longer a cold grey prison but a technicolor journey to the Source of Infinite Love. What was once a mystery is now crystal clear. The steps are no longer a mere set of suggestions penned upon a page but a lifestyle destination engraved upon my heart. The Holy Spirit now resides within me. His presence is unmistakable and my conscience, once seared to a whisper is now sensitive to every wayward thought, word and deed.
He lovingly compels me to seek out His way and gently reveals the Source of this conversation as Himself, the Lover of my soul. He expands and refines my 11th step intimacy into a continuous conversation, as moment by moment, I discover that even my most seemingly insignificant daily actions begin to become my most fervent prayer. As I continue on this journey, the Source of the program, the collective witness of the founders and the True Inspiration of the message is now simply contained in 1 John: 1-9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". It is a miraculously incomprehensible fact that the pure and holy God of all eternity Himself personally reaches out, initiates and finally completes this ongoing process with all who are willing to surrender to Him. To Him be the glory forever and ever, Amen...
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic