For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. . . . Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70
Why do I balk at the word "humility"? I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him. Humility means "to show submissive respect," and by being humble I realize I am not the center of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny. Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life's stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God's help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself.
Today is ours. Let us live today, as we believe God wants us to live. Each day will have a new pattern, which we cannot foresee. But we can open each day with a quiet period in which we say a little prayer, asking God to help us through the day. Personal contact with God, as we understand Him, will from day to day bring us nearer to an understanding of His will for us. At the close of the day, we offer Him thanks for another day of sobriety. A full, constructive day has been lived and we are grateful. Am I asking God each day for strength and thanking Him each night?
Meditation for the Day
If you believe that God's grace has saved you, then you must believe that He is meaning to save you yet more and to keep you in the way that you should go. Even a human rescuer would not save you from drowning only to place you in other deep and dangerous waters. Rather, he would place you on dry land, there to restore you. God, who is your rescuer, would certainly do this and even more. God will complete the task He sets out to do. He will not throw you overboard, if you are depending on Him.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may trust God to keep me in the way. I pray that I may rely on Him not to let me go.
AAnd if we really want to take this a step further, why not demonstrate the same reverential respect to our co-creations that we are learning to offer our Creator? We must level our pride through humility or it will be leveled for us through humiliation. There is another word that I feel is apropos here: meekness. As I understand it, meekness is not weakness but more like great power under control similar to a horse wearing a bit and bridle. In our case, the One controlling the reins on that bit and bridle is God. Mmmm. Awesome thing to have the One Who Can....do.
__________________
"And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone-even alcohol. For by this time sanity will have returned."
Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 84
An addict is WHAT I am but it does not define all of WHO I am.
Thanks for posting this sobrietyspell. Us alcoholics are always on centre stage until we free ourselves from the thornpatch that is bondage of ourselves. And its usually a terrifying performance...at least for me. Ive found my hp can only do the trick when Im in this position. I like what your post says about being rescued by it...thanks for posting.
