Daily Reprieve - February

[bluidkiti]

February 1

A DAILY PROCESS WITH EVERLASTING REWARD

“We feel a man is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 82

“Since God chose you to be the holy people that he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you.” Colossians 3: 12 &13

For what it’s worth: Early in recovery I felt threatened by anything appearing religious. I recall fussing and cussing because the Big Book says “we are not saints”, yet it seemed Alcoholics Anonymous was trying to make me one. Was not being sober enough? Why did I have to pray for people who had wronged me? Why did I have to examine my own behavior every time something went sour in my life? Why could I just not blame others? Many sober years were necessary for me to understand why Alcoholics Anonymous demanded so much. It was far more than not drinking. It was to discover and achieve what I really wanted in life: love, worth, serenity and peace. First, I had to be free of any prejudice or aversion. Then I was ready to pursue a close, conscious contact with my Heavenly Father. Although difficult, it is no more than a daily possess…with everlasting reward. Moreover, Alcoholics Anonymous and my Heavenly Father always support my efforts, especially on those days I do not do well.

God bless you.
Joe W.

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February 2

WE DON’T CRAWL

"As God's people we stand on our feet; we don't crawl before anyone." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83

"You didn't choose me. I chose you." John 15:16

For what it's worth: Shame had me crawl into Alcoholics Anonymous. Sure, I tried to hide my pitiful soul, but a tricky bunch of drunks saw right through the window dressing. Alcoholics Anonymous people offered me a drop of hope through their acceptance and sharing. They understood. They were like me. I was no longer alone. I belonged. They introduced me to a merciful, loving God – the One Who chose me - I did not choose Him. I was too sick and insane. As one of His chosen, I need to feel special, not shameful, despite my past, and despite what those of my past may still believe about me. If the shame attacks today, I will remember, "we don't crawl before anyone,"...that includes me.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 3

SPIRITUAL CHANGE

“We were reborn.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63

"Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit." John 3: 8

For what it’s worth: The term "reborn" sounded “religious” to me, and I had a prejudice toward all things churchlike. Sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous removed the resentment and opened my mind, and now I realize being reborn is a spiritual awakening. In this sense, God has blessed me abundantly. I am not the same man I was. I do not believe I had much to do with it, I can not explain it, and I do not know when it occurred, but the inner turmoil is at peace; there is no rage; denial and defiance disappeared; fears subsided; my mind is sound; and, my soul is no longer empty, but full of hope and gratitude. I am, indeed, reborn of the Spirit. It seems only yesterday I was a worthless drunk.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 4

SALVATION

"When I first came to this Fellowship, I had lost my health and sanity, my friends, much of my family, my self-respect, and my God. In the years since, all of these have been restored to me." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 368

"With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!” Isaiah 12: 3

For what it’s worth: All hope of salvation was lost as alcoholism eroded all the worth of my being. Nothing would have been saved except for the blessing of sobriety. Although I remained skeptical well into Alcoholics Anonymous, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I stayed sober attending daily meetings. Ever so slowly, I grew to believe God is restoring my worth. Today I see the Great Builder reconstructing my life on a solid foundation and I have hope of eternal joy and peace - never expected and totally undeserved.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 5

GOD’S UNFATHOMABLE LOVE

"What is this power that A.A. possesses? …To me it is God." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 308

"God is awesome. He gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!" Psalm 68:35

For what it’s worth: Alcoholism, mixed with my character defects, brewed a mean, unlovable drunk. Blessedly, and despite my stubborn resistance, a tricky bunch of sober drunks in Alcoholics Anonymous bombarded me with loving care and convinced me I was adored by a Higher Power. Numerous experiences proved to me God knocked down the gates of hell and came in after me; He led me to a piece of heaven in Alcoholics Anonymous; and, He gave me sobriety and peace of mind. God restored much lost to alcoholism. He rescued me many times from life’s tragedies, even from the duress of death. He lifts me up to a level of consciousness of His presence I never believed possible. I have grown to realize the Power in my life is God’s unfathomable love. I am grateful I did not have to earn it, and I try to say thanks as best I can in my daily life. What I treasure most is my Heavenly Father loves me even when I do not love very well.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 6

FAULT-FINDING

“Argument and fault-finding are to be avoided like the plague.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 98

“Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from fault?’” Proverbs 20:9

For what it’s worth: During the last years of my active disease, just about everything I did was sick and insane. My behavior was often rude and rotten, my motives were self-serving, and my attitude was usually defiant and hostile. Moreover, I brought those attributes with me into sobriety and recovery. Therefore, how can I justify finding fault with anyone? Of course, I cannot. Yet, I do. I remain quick and proficient at it. Although I work hard at change, I can easily fail. Obviously, I have a long way to grow. Along the way I am grateful that I have found a merciful and patient Higher Power Who has given me two guides, the Bible and the Big Book, to direct me along the right path with Steps leading to spiritual progress, not perfection.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 7

SLOW TO TRUST

"Then this message came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 'I am the Lord, the
God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?'" Jeremiah 32:26-27 (NLT)

"They had visioned the Great Reality -- their loving and All Powerful Creator." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 161

For what it's worth: Alcohol lost it's magic and left me powerless, nearly dead. Nothing had helped until I finally tried Alcoholics Anonymous, but they were big on God, and, since I had cursed Him, I was extremely anxious. The people in AA fortified me by sharing their loving experiences with God until I was able to ask Him to please help me. His grace has been abundant throughout my years of sobriety. He has taught me through personal experiences that He is my Lord and nothing is too hard for Him. He has rescued me from extreme danger; healed my hurt; soothed my soul; granted me calm in chaos and peace in perdition. I have "visioned the Great Reality", my "loving and all powerful Creator". So, why am I still so slow to trust?

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 8

S0BRIETY AND ITS TREASURES

"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)

"There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me -- and He came." Alcoholics anonymous, page 12

For what it's worth: Alcohol kept me distant from God, as I wished, and so I believed. I was afraid of God. I had fought Him often, and lost, insanely, over and over again. The anguish of being a loser drove me to Alcoholics Anonymous where I found God had not wished to be distant from me. He welcomed me with loving mercy, guiding me into sobriety and through the Twelve Steps up to a relationship with Him. This new spiritual life is, indeed, a precious treasure, a blessing I never believed possible. Fortunately, I am constantly reminded of my weaknesses and reminded that God's gift of sobriety, with all its treasures, can be smashed by one drink, because I am no more than a worthless drunk. Everything above that is the grace of God.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 9

THE STRONGEST THING ON EARTH

“We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

For what it's worth: Spirituality was for the cowardly who were afraid of life. I believed this concoction until alcoholism beat me down to a pitiful excuse of a man, forcing me to my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I learned the danger of old ideas, impelling me to re-examine my prejudices. Moreover, the people there were certainly not fainthearted. They were confident and secure, and they believed in a Higher Power. As I attended more meetings I came to see for myself these people lived strong, happy lives based on solid spiritual principles. They were, at best, human beings with strength from their God, shining lights to me in my darkest time, sharing a spiritual treasure with my empty soul. They taught me this precious gift is stored in the fragile human that I am, but that it is protected by the Spirit of God. Therefore, when I am in His presence and His will, I am the strongest thing on earth.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 10

HARD TO BELIEVE

"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

"To watch the eyes of men and women open with wonder as they move from darkness into light, to see their lives quickly fill with new purpose and meaning...and above all to watch these people awaken to the presence of a loving God in their lives -- these things are the substance of what we receive as we carry A.A.'s message to the next alcoholic." Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 110

How it works: There was darkness in my drinking because I did not want God anywhere near me. The agony of His absence demanded relief, leading to a choice of suicide or Alcoholics Anonymous. I chose suicide, but God chose Alcoholics Anonymous. He knew there I would "move from darkness into light", find "purpose and meaning", and "awaken to the presence of a loving God" in my sober life. Not only these undeserved blessings, but this despicable drunk being used to "carry A.A.'s message to the next alcoholic" -- all hard to believe even after years of sobriety.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 11

THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'" Luke 18:27

"...Step Six is still difficult, but not at all impossible." Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 68

For what it's worth: Sobriety was impossible for this diseased drunk, yet it happened. It seemed to me joy, peace, and the good things in life were impossible to me, yet it happened. Living a spiritual life was impossible, yet it happened. This worthless drunk did not do it. God did it. Today, after 36 years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, applying the Twelve Steps to the best of my ability one day at a time, there are still days when spiritual progress seems impossible. Yet, it is possible because of a gift from a merciful, loving God, Step Six. Despite my defects, weaknesses, and spiritual inadequacies, when I keep begging my Heavenly Father for willingness, He makes the impossible possible.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 12

A POWERFUL LESSON

“We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84

"Submit to God and be at peace with him.” Job 22:21

For what it's worth: There was no peace, only war. Inside of me the conflict was with me; outside of me with everybody else. I always lost, and I used alcohol to deaden the damage. My Creator must have been watching, knew I was dying, and intervened, guiding me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Once I stopped drinking, I saw and felt the wounds I inflicted on myself and others. Alcoholics Anonymous people told me of a Higher Power who healed their hurt. First, they told me I had to do as they did: stop fighting, surrender my stubborn pride, and turn my will and my life over to God’s care. That was too much…until I was bleeding enough. When I finally stopped resisting, God began treatment immediately. He does most of the work Himself, but, He has referred me out to trusted professionals. During recovery, the Almighty Healer taught me a powerful lesson, keeping me from ever being at war with myself or anyone else, if I practice it: the more I abandon myself to my Heavenly Father in my daily life, the more peace I find each day with myself and others.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 13

THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'" Luke 18:27

"...Step Six is still difficult, but not at all impossible." Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 68

For what it's worth: Sobriety was impossible for this diseased drunk, yet it happened. It seemed to me joy, peace, and the good things in life were impossible to me, yet it happened. Living a spiritual life was impossible, yet it happened. This worthless drunk did not do it. God did it. Today, after 36 years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, applying the Twelve Steps to the best of my ability one day at a time, there are still days when spiritual progress seems impossible. Yet, it is possible because of a gift from a merciful, loving God, Step Six. Despite my defects, weaknesses, and spiritual inadequacies, when I keep begging my Heavenly Father for willingness, He makes the impossible possible.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 14

A LIGHT FOR LIVING

“We had to find a power by which we could live...” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 45

“My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 40: 11

For what it’s worth: In my last drinking years, each new day was a dreaded awakening, starting with anxiety and despair. In recovery, each new day is usually a sunrise of hope, welcomed with gratitude and serenity. Sure, some days clouds try to block the sun, but God never fails me - especially on dreary days. Now, this once lost and hopeless drunk knows he is a child of the Heavenly Father, and I have been given the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to guide me through life. These are the power by which I live, and my trust in my Heavenly Father’s love is my light for living on my dark days.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 15

“WHAT HE HAS DONE”

"I want to keep this life of peace, serenity, and tranquility that I have found." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 199

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1

For what it’s worth: It was inconceivable I could ever experience happiness. I treated God like trash and dumped Him out of my life. I deserved no blessings. Fortunately, being alcoholic, my drinking progressively became a quicksand, and, to survive, I was forced to reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous. I was too insane to realize it then, but my first day in Alcoholics Anonymous was the first day of a “life of peace, serenity, and tranquility”. It did not happen overnight. There were many mountains to climb and many deserts to cross…every one bringing me closer to the source of my joy, the love of God. Today, I hope to share with every one in my little piece of the world about the miracles Alcoholics Anonymous and my loving Heavenly Father work in the life of this undeserving drunk.

God bless you,
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 16

A PRECIOUS BLESSING

“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84

"Praise the Lord, for he has shown me his unfailing love." Psalm 31:21

For what it's worth: As if yesterday, I recall the torture of the worthless, lonely last years of my drinking. There was no love, and I was convinced I could never love or be loved. As if yesterday, I recall the delight of walking into my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and unexpectedly finding love. The acceptance and empathy from the people of Alcoholics Anonymous was a warm hug I never had before, and discovering God had lifted me out of the hell of alcoholism and was safeguarding me in Alcoholics Anonymous was a demonstration of His Love I never neither expected nor deserved. His love continues. I know because this former unloving and unlovable drunk is sober and loved by many I love. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the precious blessing of love in my life, and, to keep it, I beg His grace to remain sober today.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 17

NO SHRINE

"I realized that the world might never build a shrine to the fact that I was sober." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 336

"For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4

For what it's worth: Alcoholism consorted with my defects of character and loved ones were deeply hurt. They certainly will build no shrine. Some may never forgive me. However, I know who has. A Higher Power has absolved me and takes delight in my recovery. God made a respectable man out of this past pitiful drunk, and He desires to be close to me. He guided me to Alcoholics Anonymous and gives me the Twelve Steps to climb up to an intimate relationship with Him, hopefully forever, surely for today.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 18

DIRECTION AND MERCY

"...We ask God's forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

"Lord, how great is your mercy; in your justice, give me back my life." Psalm 119: 156

For what it’s worth: My excruciating existence could not end soon enough. I welcomed alcoholism taking my life, and death was near the night I walked into a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I wanted to be able to say I had tried everything, then I would end my miserable life and the Judge would reduce my sentence. But the Judge was merciful and offered me a new, sober life with Twelve Steps as a guide to success. Slowly, now, as I apply these principles, I grow spiritually. On the days I do not, I go to my Heavenly Father to seek forgiveness and talk with Him about “corrective measures” needed to maintain my daily reprieve at the new life He has granted me. He loves for me to come to Him for direction and He is always merciful.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 18

MY FATHER’S STRONG ARMS

“He is the Father, and we are His children.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John1:12

For what it's worth: The anguish of my alcoholism proved God did not love this child. I carried this bag of garbage with me into Alcoholics Anonymous. After I stopped drinking and squeamishly listened to untold numbers share at meetings what God had done for them, I reluctantly cracked my closed mind and found all manner of insanity in my thinking about God. As this happened, I noticed how often God was mentioned as “Father” in Alcoholics Anonymous literature. Dr. Bob referred to His Higher Power as his Heavenly Father. This new concept of God as my Father gave me warmth and comfort where there had been only a cold, dark, empty soul. Even a feeble attempt at prayer and meditation nourished the idea, and I have come to believe I am a child of God, one He loves dearly. I know because my Heavenly Father opens up His arms to me every time I need to run to Him, jump up in His lap, and be held in His strong, loving arms.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 20

CLOSER TO HIM

"Here was power to live to the end of any given day, power to have the courage to face the next day…" Alcoholics Anonymous, page 386

"He is mighty in both power and understanding." Job 36:5

For what it's worth: Suicide did not work. God always used His power against me, forcing me to face another dreaded day. This I believed during my insane drinking, but, in fact, God’s loving omnipotence saved me from the fires of hell and placed my contrary character in Alcoholics Anonymous. He understood this was the only place on earth I could find the right people and Twelve Steps to climb closer to Him. He was right. Each day for many years, my Heavenly Father has granted me His grace to add brilliance to the bright days and His strength for courage to face the dark days. Both draw me closer to Him.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 21

PAIN WILL TURN TO JOY

"Most alcoholics have to be pretty badly mangled before they really commence to solve their problems." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 43

"…You will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.” John 16:20

For what it’s worth: The idea of joy somehow hidden in pain was a religious hoax inflicted on the naive. I knew better. God was punishing me because of the people I hurt, so there would be no joy from the horror of my alcoholism. Again, I undersold God. Looking back, I see the bliss had already started. God was using my fear to drive me to Alcoholics Anonymous where my pain did turn to joy. Granted, it took work and God’s grace, starting with staying sober one-day-at-a-time despite severe cravings to drink. Then, regardless of my resistance, I needed to solve many problems using the Twelve Steps. Along the way I have seen every drop of agony I have ever experienced used by God in some creative way to help me or another suffering soul. Yet, realizing all of this, I still wait for distress to become intolerable before I surrender to my Heavenly Father. Today, I pray I will go to Him sooner, and I wil ask Him to come to me in case I get stubborn again.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 22

GOD'S WORK

"Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work." Psalm 19:13 (The Message)

"We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day 'Thy will be done.'" Alcoholics Anonymous, page 88

For what it's worth: "My will be done" was my attitude during my drinking days, dragging me to the gates of hell. To avoid the eternal fires I had to accomplish something impossible for me: surrender "running the show" to a Higher Power. God’s merciful grace and lengthy sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous taught me this, and, there by, saved my life. Despite the risk, I still stupidly keep trying to "take over" God's work. I am deeply grateful I "can start the day fresh" anytime during the day, especially when I forget to seek God's will and jump right in with my insane ways.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 23

"WAIT PATIENTLY"

"The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled." Romans 15:4 (New Living Translation)

"They (the promises) are being fulfilled among us sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them." Alcoholics anonymous, page 84

For what it's worth: Alcoholism robbed me of all trust. I trusted nothing and no one when new in Alcoholics Anonymous. The first time I heard about the "promises" at a meeting, I challenged the speaker to prove what he was saying. He had no Big Book to back up his words. I told him I would be back next week to have him verify these "promises". He did. They filled me with hope until I realized they were not coming true for me. I had waited a week. My sponsor explained that some are slower than others. I believe he meant me. He was right. I needed the encouragement of many A.A. meetings to work hard and "wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled". Slowly, they have been.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 24

LETTING GO

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

"We relax and take it easy. We don't struggle."
Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

For what it's worth: My fear of God was real and deep. I had betrayed Him and harmed many of His children. So, how was I able to abandon myself to God when the people in Alcoholics Anonymous assured me it was necessary to avoid alcoholism's hell? It was fear, not virtue, motivating me to talk about this at meetings and with my sponsor. The answer was always the same: ask God for help. When finally humble enough to do so, His arms were open and His support was immediate. My Heavenly Father had been waiting for me. Now, through many sober years and numerous personal experiences He has taught me to trust His love. Absolutely every time I "let go and let God", I can relax and not struggle as I do when I insist on letting go of God and letting Joe.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 25

RENEWED DAY BY DAY

“On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

For what it’s worth: Every dawn was dreaded. Experience had proven the day would be full of alcohol, agony, anxiety, and despair. Let me not forget those mornings, and let me always thank God and Alcoholics Anonymous it is different now. I am renewed each morning with a new attitude. I am not faced with all of life, just twenty four hours of it, and no matter what yesterday was like, I can start over, making this the first twenty four hours in the rest of my life. I can have refreshed resolve, knowing I am not alone. My Heavenly Father will be with me all day long, and together we will be able to handle anything. Therefore, I go into this "first" day with gratitude and renewed trust in my Heavenly Father’s love.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 26

THE DEPTHS OF THE BOTTLE

“The less people tolerated us, the more we withdrew from society, from life itself.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 151

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16

For what its worth: My alcoholism was a jealous and brutal master, dragging me ever deeper into the bottle. I was alone, trapped, and drowning at the bottom of the bottle. When I finally walked through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, I was no longer isolated, surrounded by caring and gracious recovering alcoholics. They understood me and did not judge me. They accepted me and I felt I belonged there with them. I stopped drinking and kept coming back. Their attitude and example not only gave me hope and drew me into their fold, but pointed me toward a gracious God who loves me with all of my afflictions. Years of sobriety and spiritual growth were necessary to bring me close to my Heavenly Father, but today I know He grants me my daily bread and a daily reprieve from the depths of the bottle. I thank Him repeatedly.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 27

COMPLETION

“I am convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion” Philippians 1:6 (GWT)

"We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59

For what it's worth: My conviction God would complete His work with me by delivering me to hell's fire kept me drinking for years. I was close to death with this belief before I finally arrived at Alcoholics Anonymous. After years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, the turmoil of my disbelief forced me to take the Third Step, and, as best I could, ask "His protection and care with complete abandon". As I do so each new day, God teaches me to trust His love and surrender myself, difficult times, situations, and people to His care. I do this through the first three Steps. Accepting my powerlessness and the insanity of trying on my own, I place it in God's hands. I have to ask Him for strength to keep my will out of His way. If I do, He always carries it through to a completion far better than I could even imagine.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

February 28

DEPENDENT ON THE SHEPHERD

“We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

For what it's worth: Independence from God is what I sought in my drinking. That led to total dependence on alcohol and near death, right in front of the gates of hell, and without a God. But He was there, forgiving my attitude toward Him, rescuing me and leading me to green pastures beside restful waters in Alcoholics Anonymous. It turns out that He is my Good Shepherd. He restores my soul using the Twelve Steps. And, when I wander off too close to the wolves, He comes for me and carries this weak, little lamb close to His heart, as we walk together on the right path, Alcoholics Anonymous. My Good Shepherd sees to it that I have everything I need. I have come to depend upon Him.

God bless you!
Joe W.