What a beautiful program Alcoholics Anonymous is. Not only does
it relieve our uncontrollable use of alcohol but is applicable to each and every problem in our lives.
We come to A A because we desire to stop drinking alcohol and are unable to do so
on our own. Alcohol severely impacts our lives, our minds, and our bodies. We discover through the program of
Alcoholics Anonymous that alcohol, of itself, is not and was not the problem - it is but a
symptom of the problem. The
real problem with us as alcoholics (and addicts of any and all types) is
self-centered fear. We are afraid we will not get what we want... and afraid
to lose what we have.
When any of our human
instincts are threatened we overreact until we make the decision in the
Third Step of the program to turn our thoughts and our actions over to the care of
God. Once we do this we are on our way to a serene and peaceful life. The
integration of the remaining steps into our lives leads us to a life in which we are praying and meditating
on a daily basis. When praying we ask only for
the knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. Remaining in
that present state of mind, in the will of God, we do not drink. In God's hands all
of our problems are solved.
God is the solution to
the real problem. Once we are in His will we do not
overreact when we think that our human instincts are threatened as
we are trusting in His safety and serenity. May you find Him and his comfort
now.
