A MEMBER SHARES:
Hi, I am Sash, and I am an alcoholic. Just because I made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God doesn't mean I am no longer responsible. I learnt if I had to maintain my sobriety, I am responsible for myself. I need to identify the next little thing I have to do to stay sober, and do it. I recognized that I must learn how to look within myself and find my own understanding of God and thus find the source of courage, strength, and hope needed to stay sober. There can be no wisdom or knowledge without emotion. I may be aware of a truth, but it is not yet mine until I have felt its force. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul. I had to become more conscious of my feelings by learning to identify the "emotional baggage" and managing those feelings. I wanted to view life based on current information instead of being held captive by my past. However, I soon realized since emotional processes can work faster than the mind, it takes a power stronger than the mind to bend perception, override emotional circuitry, and provide me with intuitive feeling instead. I needed a power greater than myself to help me make these decisions. And when I do that, I learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it, than I do from learning the answer itself. It is said when you find your true voice you find grace. Today, I understand, by the grace of God, I am what I am. And His grace, which was bestowed upon me, is not in vain. And yes, I have laboured more than many in this life, yet not I, but the grace of God, which was with me. Thank you and God bless you all.