Acceptance

Resentment is the number one killer of addicts. It surely leads me right back to my disease. But when I pray for the one that I resent, God can relieve me of my resentment. I have discovered a set of prayers that have been very effective in my life in transforming my negative attitudes:

1) First settle myself in God’s presence.
2) Then pray to accept the situation.
3) Pray that God can work in me to free me from any resentment.
4) Ask that I might be able to treat the person in a way that God would desire.
5) Pray that God would abundantly bless that person.
6) Then pray that I might be able to leave any outcome in God’s hands.

Mine is a disease of misconnections. But I have found that what started as a misconnection can move to forgiveness and acceptance by the grace and working of my Higher Power.

Nancy S.
Adapted from Recovery Continues p. 93

The Fellowship

Redwood trees have shallow roots. Standing by themselves, with one small wind they easily topple. It is only by interlocking with the root systems of others that they are able to grow strong and tall, a beautiful tribute to God’s creation.

As an addict, I am only “one drink” away from “toppling” and going back “out there”. The fellowship offers me the support system of other recovering addicts to help me to grow strong – strong in recovery – and able to stand tall and free. I become a beautiful example of what my Higher Power can do in one life, surrounded by the fellowship of others