The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading discusses faith in a higher power, especially for those who struggle with the concept. Wise Al-Anon members may suggest that we surrender our lack of faith to a Higher Power, and ask for faith. When we feel frightened, helpless or hopeless, we have the choice to surrender those feelings and ask for what is needed. Powerless does not mean helpless. In fact it can lead us to a source of enormous power. God does not speak in code - if we are not certain of what God's will for us is, we can be still and listen for the answer.
When in doubt, we can always ask for help. We can ask a HP of our choosing to help us, we can ask the group to help us, sponsor, trusted program friends. We just need to ask for help and the answers will come in time.
The quote today is from In All Our Affairs --- "Even if we have struggled with the idea of a Higher Power, we have learned that asking for help works..."
I came to recovery broken, fearful and overwhelmed with life, the disease and just about everything around me. I had distorted thinking and negative ways of dealing with issues. It took me a while to realize my concept of a Higher Power was also distorted. I was raised with organized religion as a child, however I was one who felt abandoned as my prayers had gone unanswered. The biggest challenge for me was to let go of fox-hole prayers that were selfish and self-serving, but instead asking my HP to lead me to the right path. Amazing to open my mind and realize that the best plan for me was rarely my plan.
I was blessed to spend time yesterday with a dear friend who is battling cancer. We discussed faith as well as what comes after our passing from this Earth. I openly shared what I have come to believe - God wants me happy, joyous and free. My imperfect human mind can not conceptualize what that looks like, but I am confident the best is yet to come. I do not fear life or death any longer, as I now align as best my humanism can with a power great than myself.
If anybody is struggling with any concept of a HP, you get to decide what it looks like. I have program friends who use the group, others use nature, others still use the literature. Growing spiritually in any fashion is the progress we seek, and as with all things related to recovery, perfection is over-rated.
Make it a great Friday all - (((Hugs)))!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thank you IAM, for posting your thoughts's on this most important page.
Love this reading as it gave me permission to still be in doubt regarding HP but still suggested that I ask for what I needed. I never was in the habit of doing that so that allowing myself to be vulnerable enough to "ask for help" opened new doors and gave me permission to reach out.
I thank Al-Anon for God and God for Al-Anon.
Went leaf peeping today and I hope you had a grand day as well. Thanks for your service
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 12:54:03 PM
Hey Betty - sounds like a fun, fun day! We've got changing leaves here - they tend to change and fall off rapidly so timing is everything. I hope you saw some lovely color and enjoyed your day.
I've been chill most of the day - I do not understand how driving for 3 hours can wear me out equal or more than softball for three hours - but it did. So - I've been catching up on TV and mail today while just relaxing!
I too thank Al-Anon for God and God for Al-Anon - that's a good slogan to add to my toolbox!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thank you for sharing this page, IAH, and for your service; I've been pondering this reading throughout the day. I certainly struggled with the HP concept when I found AlAnon, and for awhile after. Love the quote today, and it struck me for its sheer utility, regardless of beliefs.
This page helped me cast out a call for help long before I finally created and adopted my hp concept. It was an important step for me, part of my acknowledgement that I did not have the knowledge, understanding, nor the right to call my shots, or those of others.
Oddly enough, when I allowed myself to be less certain of people, places, and things, and admitted my uncertainty to the universe (no particular person, place or thing), I felt more peace.
Glad you were able to spend time with your friend. I think of what you have shared in light of an upcoming trip that I have to see a friend with a grim diagnosis. I am grateful, as I have learned from what has been shared and am glad to be reminded that it's ok to not always 'know' what to do or say. That is what my higher power, the fellowship, and sponsors are for...thank you
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Paul - so sorry for your friend's diagnosis......I am glad you are able to get away and go for the visit. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for your visit my friend! I agree with your observation about feeling more peace as I became less certain of people, places, things around me. Acceptance of my powerless and believing that my will was not the best for me and all gave me the path to serenity I had been trying to get to for a while with the wrong tools!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
