Very deep, sometimes quite forgotten, damaging emotional conflicts persist below the level of consciousness.
Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions, pp. 79-80
Only through positive action can I remove the remains of guilt & shame brought on by alcohol. Throughout my misadventures when I drank. Throughout my misadventures when I drank, my friends would say, "Why are you doing this? You're only hurting yourself." Little did I know how true were those words. Although I harmed others, some of my behaviour caused grave wounds to my soul. Step Eight provides me with a way of forgiving myself. I alleviate much of the hidden damage when I make my list of those I have hurt. In making amends, I free myself of burdens, thus contributing to my healing.
A.A. Thought for the Day
"We of agnostic temperament have found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which we call God. As soon as you can say that you do believe or are willing to believe, you are on your way. Upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built." Am I willing to depend on a Power that I cannot fully define or comprehend?
Meditation for the Day
We seek God's presence and "they who seek shall find." It is not a question of searching so much as an inner consciousness of the Divine spirit in your heart. To realize God's presence you must surrender to His will in the small as well as in the big things of life. This makes God's guidance possible. Some things separate you from God - a false word, a fear-inspired failure, a harsh criticism, a stubborn resentment. These are the things that put a distance between your mind and God. A word of love, a selfless reconciliation, and a kind act of helpfulness - these bring God closer.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may think and say and do the things that bring God closer to me. I pray that I may find Him in a sincere prayer, a kind word, or an unselfish deed.
Such an appropriate read for where I'm at today, and have been for a few weeks now.
To realize God's presence you must surrender to His will in the small as well as in the big things of life. This makes God's guidance possible. Some things separate you from God - a false word, a fear-inspired failure, a harsh criticism, a stubborn resentment
You could have taken my laptop and hit my up side the head with this. I wouldn't be upset, I needed a good smackin'.
Thank you for your share, John & thank goodness my God is all knowing, all forgiving, all graceful. He treasures me even when I'm messy, ashamed & feeling wretched. Of course, it's sometimes hard to remember that when I feel this way but my Higher Power & our fellowship reminds & carries me until I find my recovery feet again.
You & me will always make mistakes, dear brother for to do that is human, it's how we learn. But, if we can continue to depend on the God of our understanding to help us when we falter, we'll both keep growing & that is the gift of this program. It helps me to stay sober & to grow in the true celebration & joy that is life despite our difficulties.
This line particularly touched me too "some of my behaviour caused grave wounds to my soul." Thank God that to forgive is divine & we both get to heal all of the time. Grace indeed. Thank you again for sharing, John. Yours in service, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
