I came to AA with just the faintest glimmer of hope that I might find an answer. When I saw how others had recovered this turned into a tiny flicker of faith. As I followed the suggestions the faith began to grow because I began to see and feel the results and I was learning the truth of the Big Book. As my life expanded into the world and I gained more experience my faith grew that if I kept doing these things I would continue to grow, and as I had more experience I began to realise that no matter what happened, it will be OK. And I learnt that faith without works is dead. I'm neither religious nor agnostic. The nearest thing I can find to describe my faith is gnostic, which means knowledge through experience.
God bless, Mike H
-- Edited by Fyne Spirit on Saturday 21st of April 2012 03:45:54 PM
This is something I often spout off in meetings. I was reminded of it when reading Wolfie's post of the daily reflection. When I came into AA, I really had faith in nothing. Hence, I was paralyzed and crippled with fear and anxiety about literally everything. Slowly in recovery, everything has changed. Literally everything. It all started with believing that maybe going to a meeting could help. Now my faith surrounds me and makes me able to handle life and the world like the person I was always supposed to be.
I don't know why I was without faith, but I now recognize it is not some religious mumbo jumbo but a spiritual coping tool. Without it, I simply could not function and I had to self-medicate just to tolerate the simplest of changes and frustrations. Thank God I don't live that way any more.
Have a great day everyone!
Mark
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
I really like this post, Mark, and I totally agree.
Without faith there was only "me". I thought I had to control everything...people, places, things. It's impossible. In order to cope with that, with feelings of fear, hopelessness, depression, and anger, I turned to the bottle to numb out. With faith in my life, I step aside so much more often. I am able to trust and believe in something bigger than myself and I find peace and serenity in knowing Someone else is in control and I just have to listen for His message. :)
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
