I like to think of the Tenth Step of the AA program as a hallway - a hallway that I must walk down in order to come into the room in which I can live with God. This hallway needs daily repair as the ceiling is leaking, there are holes in the walls and the floor is buckled. Fortunately, the program of Alcoholics Anonymous has given us an instructional manual so that we can pass through, although we may be encumbered at first.Another way to look at this is as if God is the light and my human defects are a clouded glass which no light can shine through. As I begin to incorporate the program of AA into my life and begin to develop a relationship with God, some of the glass clears and some of the light shines through. As I continue to incorporate the Twelve Steps into my life, the glass clears even more and even more of the light shines through. Finally, the day arrives when the glass is transparent and all of the light shines through and it is in this moment that I am one with God and free of the manifestation of my character defects.
Incorporate the Tenth Step into your daily existence and, eventually, into all your waking moments. We must be persistent. Persistence is the time between the promise of God and the provision of God. Thereafter, a life free of anxiety, fear and resentment can be experienced; cloaked in harmony, peace and serenity.
Written by Armand
Once I have incorporated the first Nine Steps into my recovery and have received The Promises as a result, I am ready to enter the realm of the Spirit. The Big Book states that our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. Far from the defective life I was leading (typified through alcohol abuse), I am now given the most golden opportunity of my lifetime - to know and love myself through The Power Within me made present through the action of The Steps. This, The Book cautions, is not an overnight matter; it must continue for my lifetime. There is no question that I will default to my defects at various points of my growth but I am given The Tenth Step to effectively move past them. How? By acknowledging and asking of The Power Within me, by talking with my trusted sponsor, by immediately making whatever residual amends I must make, and by turning thoughts and actions to someone I can help. So, yes, I am lead down that hallway to a new place of both wonder and reality. I know it is the only place of peace for me.
ReplyDeleteMichael just love when you wrote "given the most golden opportunity of my lifetime - to know and love myself through the power within me made present through the action of the Steps."...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteArmand, great explanation of the 10th step. Thank you. There are times in my life that I feel more connected to God than others. I feel His love for me, and I understand His will. Likewise, there are times in my life when I feel alone and can't get in touch. The glass is so cloudy I don't receive any connection. It's a terrible feeling. I am always the one responsible for the break in the connection. Almost ways my ego and self will making the glass cloudy. But I have been given the tools of AA which provide me with tools that provide honest and thorough way of getting back on the narrow path. The Big Book, my sponsor, fellowship and most important the 10th and 11th step. Removing alcohol from my body was necessary for me to be in a position to receive the blessings of sobriety. But becoming recovered requires a lifetime commitment to a way of life that put others ahead of myself through the will of God. That is the only way I can live a purposeful and meaningful life. I thank God every day for this blessing.
ReplyDeleteJim love when you wrote " becoming recovered requires a lifetime commitment to a way of life that put others ahead of my self through the will of God." i like to say 'integrate the program of Alcoholics Anonymous into your life until it becomes your life."...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteArmand, 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
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic love when you wrote "a lifestyle destination engraved upon my heart.">>>Thank you...Armand
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