As I sit today to write, my body is jittery. My thoughts are jumbled. My spirit is unsettled. I need to take some time to quiet myself down. Right now, I need to slow down in all three areas – body, mind and spirit. I need to stop for a few moments so that God can bring balance and harmony into my life. In this moment, I need to stop “doing” so that I can just be a “being”.
I’ve read: “Be still and know that I am God.” I also like: Be still and know that I am me.
I stop, close my eyes, breathe deeply and feel my body relax. I take just a moment to stop the rat race in my mind. I drink in the presence of the Presence.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Ashes
A forest stands powerless before a fire. The fire rages, swiftly consuming all that stands in its path. It is out of control. What was once a forest is now burnt and barren. Nothing but ashes. Nothing untouched. Then, unbelievably, the ashes left behind enrich the soil. They become a bed for new growth. And after a time new life does appear. Miraculous, that something so destroyed can become beautiful again.
My life was destroyed by addiction. I was the fire. My choices had consumed everything in their wake. I was out of control. It seemed as if the only thing left was ash. But my Higher Power took those very ashes and began his work. I admitted utter powerlessness and through that admission God began to restore me. It is a process. It takes time for that new growth to appear. But as surely as a forest can be rebuilt after a fire, my life can be rebuilt as well. Unbelievably, my very weakness, my addiction, becomes the vehicle by which God draws me to himself. Unbelievably, I am relieved of my bondage. God uses my past and my difficulties to bring others into recovery. I bear witness to God’s power and his love. I have a new way of life.
My life was destroyed by addiction. I was the fire. My choices had consumed everything in their wake. I was out of control. It seemed as if the only thing left was ash. But my Higher Power took those very ashes and began his work. I admitted utter powerlessness and through that admission God began to restore me. It is a process. It takes time for that new growth to appear. But as surely as a forest can be rebuilt after a fire, my life can be rebuilt as well. Unbelievably, my very weakness, my addiction, becomes the vehicle by which God draws me to himself. Unbelievably, I am relieved of my bondage. God uses my past and my difficulties to bring others into recovery. I bear witness to God’s power and his love. I have a new way of life.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
A Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer that many of us say at the close of our meetings. For whatever reason, it’s the prayer that the early AA’s chose to recite together. Although this prayer carries a connection to some specific religious circles, it also has a sense of universality. We feel connected as we circle to together and share its familiar words in the intimacy of our recovery groups.
As an addict, the words “give us this day our daily bread” mean a great deal to me. They remind me of my utter dependence on God. They help me to remember my need to live life one day at a time. They remind me that my Higher Power desires to have me come on a daily basis to ask for my needs to be met. I ask for this day and for this day, my God supplies.
As an addict, the words “give us this day our daily bread” mean a great deal to me. They remind me of my utter dependence on God. They help me to remember my need to live life one day at a time. They remind me that my Higher Power desires to have me come on a daily basis to ask for my needs to be met. I ask for this day and for this day, my God supplies.
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