The program of Alcoholics Anonymous has in place the fabric necessary to weave through and heal our character defects - whether they surface in our daily or our spot check inventories. If and when necessary we use the Ninth Step which is, "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others." If we decide that an amend is necessary we immediately make it in an effort to live in the present. Only in the present can we be in the will of God, where His grace saves us from creating another past which we will need to extricate ourselves from. Once performed, we thread into the necessary fabric The Seventh Step, "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings." If our actions cause us to have any shame or guilt, we then use the Fifth Step of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, "Admitted to God, to ourselves and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs" so that we may be living in the present with a clean slate and a serene mind. If we are willing to take our inventories, make our amends, ask God to remove our defects, and share our wrongs with ourselves, God and another human being there will be NO NEED TO CREATE A PAST. We will have the freedom to exist in the present - in the will of God.
As alcoholics we have worked hard to free ourselves from our past. If we are willing to weave the program of Alcoholics Anonymous into our lives in such a way that it becomes our life than the creation of a past that, at least subconsciously, is having a negative effect on our present consciousness, will not occur. This is a critical tool in permanent recovery.
Written By Armand
Written By Armand
Staying in the moment and, therefore, living in the moment sounds simple. But it’s not easy. It means “work“ within the context of the spiritual program of action. The Tenth Step tells us that living in the realm of the spirit is not an overnight matter; we must practice it for a lifetime. As you point out, we must act immediately when our fear-based human nature compromises the moment. We must make amends immediately if necessary and then resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help. Love and tolerance of others becomes our code. For me, it is only by integrating all Twelve Steps into my life that I am able to exist in the moment and to avoid the pitfalls of my past, or to re-create a life of frustration and chaos. This is the gift that awaits us all - the gift of the moment.
ReplyDeleteMichael great thought - "when our fear based human nature compromises the moment."...Thank you....Armand
DeleteHaving long been miraculously delivered from a self centered prison of misdirected survival skills that found me at the precipice of an ignominious death, my bow has now been broken and the bent and featherless arrows that once filled my quiver were now willingly abandoned. Yet, even as I passed the pen to the Master Planner of life, the move from prisoner to pilgrim is not always without struggle. Life is not a consistent encounter with rainbows, pixie-dust and unicorns. I still must contend with the ever-present seductions of the world and although now graciously subdued, the ever present calling of the appetites of my flesh. But throughout every encounter His grace abounds. This new life is no longer totally dependent upon me. The eternal struggle is no longer encountered alone and the mystery for managing the transition has now been laid before me with a simple clarity that only comes through an ever expanding relationship with the only true source of Power, Light and Love.
ReplyDeleteThat divine gift of willingness, that first "grain of a mustard seed of faith," spoken of in Matthew 19-20; is no longer light years away but now grows by every encounter with life's former problems and perplexities into a deep and abiding faith. They become desired gifts from above as they reveal the only true touchstones of faith, love and compassion that grows an unyielding devotion to the Author and Finisher of this new journey into the unspeakable and eternal richness of the mind and plan of God.
The Author provides the Holy Spirit who now resides within me. He reminds me of the simple steps that first brought me to this place. He teaches that truth without love is pride and that love without truth is mere sentimentality. That the purpose of life and all of His creation is an eternal relationship by, with and through Him. When all around seems vexed and troubled. When confusion and conflict abound. He compels the surrender of every encounter within life's lesson plan and gently reminds it has been lovingly written into eternity, just for me, as I continue to discover Him as He truly is. Jesus is the touchstone to create a new and sanctified past that bears witness not only to the victory over sin and self, but an unmistakable legacy of service and love.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic that simple clarity you mentioned above is a wondrous state of mind delivered through a conscious contact with the lord and Savior...Thank you...Armand
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