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.
The Courage to Change reading for July 29 reinforces the fact that Al-Anon is a spiritual program and not a religious one. It points out that spirituality doesn't have to imply a particular philosophy or moral code. In alanon the principle of Spirituality simply means that we believe there is a Power greater than ourselves upon which we have come to rely.
The reading also stresses that It does not matter what name we used to refer to this power It can be:Higher Power, God, Good Orderly Direction, Allah, the Universe or Al-Anon principles. It is however vital to our recovery that we "come to believe "in a power greater than ourselves as referred to in step two-- until we do the rest of the steps will not make much sense. It reinforces the idea that HP can be likened to the electricity that operates the machinery of our recovery-- it is not necessary to understand what electricity actually is, to use it all we need to do is turn on the switch.
The quote is from Al-Anon 12 Steps and 12 Traditions; "when I have at least realized that my problems are too big to solve by myself--- I need not be alone with them. If I am willing to accept help from a Higher Power".
I know that in the beginning of my journey, I selected "Al-Anon principles, slogans and tools as my Higher Power. By attending meetings, I could easily see how truly effective they were so that I could easily place my trust and belief in this" Power "that was Greater than I was.
I knew that I did need a Power Greater than myself to believe in because I felt if I let go and truly believed I was powerless, that the alcoholic would win and I would be destroyed-- when I turned my will and my life over to the care of the Al-Anon program I felt safe and secure.
Today thanks to my tiny Steps in believing, I have a Loving Higher Power and am so grateful to alanon for this gift.
As with many things, I came to this program with some baggage regarding 'God'....I was concerned about this portion of the program, as I believed the God of my youth had left me high and dry to flounder in my self will running riot. I truly believed that I had no redemption for a positive relationship with the God of my youth as I had done some many things that were way beyond unworthy. My actions, thoughts and deeds were way left of center from my upbringing, and I felt I did not deserve forgiveness, redemption and/or love.
I love how Step 2 discusses Power Greater than Ourselves. It doesn't say it has to be God and it doesn't say right now. It just suggests we are a bit crazy and can't resolve our craziness alone and if we believe, we will get better and do better. This step helps me see how it's progress and not perfection. It suggests we 'come to' as opposed to arrived at. I love the way it's written and the way I 'hear' it as it also suggests I am free to believe in any power that's not me!
While I struggled to process the whole concept of power great than me and God of my understanding, I still felt as if I wasn't worthy. My very, very first sponsor suggested that while I sat in ponder, there was already a power at work in my life. I just kind of sat there and she went on to say that the power of the group, and program was carrying me. It was not the first time I was told I was over-analyzing this program and it wouldn't be the last! But - how powerful is it that we just show up, believe in shares, and get some relief?
Over time, I have come to call my HP God. Over time, I have let go of my distorted beliefs about the God of my youth. And, over time, I became grateful that my parents did expose me to their religion as it planted the seed in believing beyond that which I can see, touch, hear, smell, feel. What a blessing and I would not have 'these gifts' were it not for the program.
What a great meeting and a great way to start the day! Love and Light to all!
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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
