I am an alcoholic. I was unable to quit on my own. I got to Alcoholics Anonymous on July 24, 1984 and have not had a drink since. I have only wanted to have a drink on a couple of occasions since I got sober and still did not have a drink. I give the credit for this to a loving God who could do for me what I could not do for myself.
Someone (I forget who, sorry) yesterday suggested that you are doomed to drink again until you have had a spiritual awakening. This is my story and it is the story of many others. But I must say, it is not everyone's story.
One of my dearest friends in AA claims to be an atheist. Years ago, I was sure this would change in time, and I still am sure it will. However, she is now sober 17 years, and still ducks out of the meeting before the Lord's Prayer each day. And yet! she has not had a drink, nor has she had many cravings for a drink. The other wonderful thing about her is that she owns a liquor store, and works there. When I first met her, I was sure that she would either drink or she would get out of the liquor business. And yet! she continues to sit in a liquor store a couple of times a week and she has not had a drink, nor has she had many cravings for a drink. She sponsors people, she is very active in AA, she is someone everyone knows they can call - and she truly will "be there" for you. She has "been there" for me many times. She was particularly helpful in the year that my son was in Iraq... and although our politics are polar opposites, it never came up. I thank God for her. One time she told me that she doesn't believe in God, and I told her not to worry, God believes in her. I have since stopped saying things like that to her because they make her want to be sick.
So, what does this have to do with anything? I lose my judgment when I see how flawed it is. I just don't know what God has in mind for each of us.
None of us are the same, I believe that God created each of us in His image, but we are all different a bit. Each of us have our own gifts and challenges to bring to the table. Thank God for the diversity of us.
"The minute I figure I have got a perfectly clear pipeline to God, I have become egotistical enough to get into real trouble. Nobody can cause more needless grief than a power-driver who thinks he has got it straight from God." -- As Bill Sees It, p. 38
7 comments:
Thank you for your post. You show me it's about acceptance, not judgment.
Being in judgment has made year two of sobriety difficult, given me lots of resentments. Acceptance helped me to let go of them, getting me back into the program.
Your words are true, helping me today.
Thanks MC. We just don't know it all, do we?
I know a lady, 11 years sober who has not gotten past step 3. She used relapse all the time when she would start her 4th step. Finally her sponsor told her that she did not have to work the 4th step until she was good and ready...Just Don't DRINK. So that's what she's done. I don't recommend this of course. But who am I to say, because she is a sober active memeber of AA.
Enjoy your day little candied yam.
People with long term sobriety surprise me all the time stating what they HAVEN'T done. They all say they don't recommend it, yet they are still sober. I know many athiests that have been sober for 20+ years. I think it is hard to be in a recovery program and not have a spiritual awakening, even if it is by osmosis. Whatever our beliefs, we can and are spiritual beings. At least that is what I have experienced.
I love it! Good reminder... hey you I think your boys (the bronos) will pull back aghead... this is an exciting game and wanted to get on the puter and tell you I was thinking of you... (((HUGS))
I think that it's how the individual works the program. Some take Steps One and Twelve and that's it. Some are really dry drunks who still have all their defects but don't drink. I think that recovery is more than not drinking though.
I read somewhere that recovery was finding contentment. For many that may be a spiritual awakening but I guess your story shows that it is not a requirement. Thought to ponder.
Your open mind is beautiful.
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