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
Michael C.
ReplyDeleteStep Ten is a clear example of the necessity of taking The Steps in order. For years I did it my way, utilizing The Steps as I saw fit, thus continuing to employ my will over His Will for me. The result was a life with no alcohol, plenty of meetings, yet no real peace of mind. The world of the spirit was a desired goal but one that had eluded me. Upon learning that a one-day-at-a-time approach to Step Ten was the sole way of finding peace, my life became more contented and useful. The Step tells us that once we have entered the world of the spirit, “our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness.” As you point out, that is only possible by taking action on a daily or even a momentary basis. Nothing serves me more wholly than turning my thoughts to someone I can help. Love and tolerance becomes our code, and our gift.
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Michael many in AA experience what you described as "a life with no alcohol, plenty of meetings, yet no peace of mind." A practice of the 10th Step elucidates the powerlessness of our human nature and kindles a desire to let go...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteCreating the time and space I need to do my daily 10th step is often the most challenging part of the day. I often like to dive into the 11th step without thoroughly examining my day. And when I dive directly into the 11th step, I am quickly reminded of the parts of my day which require me to clean up my conscience. My monkey mind bounces from issue to issue like monkeys swinging from tree to tree with their high shrieking voices. So I cant continue with the 11th step until I understand what is getting in the way. The 10th step discipline brings emotional intelligence to my thinking by routinely following the resentment fears, and sex conduct/harm to others worksheets; column by column. When I do that, I am now prepared to move forward with the 11th step which is the highlight of my Dad
ReplyDeleteJim thanks for your experience...Armand
DeleteArmand, 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.
As I continue to meet God at His mercy seat in Step 10 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 purified and my most fervent prayer. As I continue on this journey, the Divine 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 "He expands and refines my 11th Step intimacy into a continuous conversation."...Thank you...Armand
DeleteThanks for the great words on Step 10, Armand. One of my favorite things to do when introducing a newcomer to the Book is to read the "10th Step Promises" on pages 84-85, where they tell us that by the time we reach step 10, the alcohol obsession will have been lifted. We will "recoil from it as if from a hot flame." That has always been my experience-- that by the time someone gets that far into the steps, they are no longer thinking about booze-- in fact, the thought is now repulsive. Step 10 says that we "continue to take personal inventory," and so when I practice the step, I am really practicing all of the Action Steps, on a daily basis-- 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Steps 10 and 11, practiced daily, therefore become the keys to my "daily reprieve" from alcoholism.
ReplyDeleteDan amazing isn't it that something I could not not drink is now repulsive in thought...thank you...Armand
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