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 ODA T reading for October 10th introduces the thought that without faith in a Power Greater than ourselves. we are like a ship without a rudder and if we attempt to battle the world by ourselves from our limited strength and wisdom we will that it is insufficient. The reading goes on to point out that we all need something to cling to with absolute confidence. If we have been let down by someone we trusted or disillusioned by disappointments,we begin to feel that we are alone in a hostile world. We cannot deprive ourselves of God's help. because that would be very destructive.
In Al-Anon we see that faith is demonstrated at each meeting as we share our new found knowledge, courage and hope. We see others as well as ourselves restored in confidence as we find dignity in the knowledge that we are God's children.
The reminder suggests that if our faith has been diminished by disappointments, we can begin to regain our trust by thinking of a spiritual idea, like the serenity prayer. This is basic philosophy and will give a secure foundation.
The quote is from second Corinthians; "we walk by faith, and not by sight"
I must confess that my disappointment and anger with a Higher Power was based on my faulty beliefs and expectations. When I entered Al-Anon and began to examine my fears and beliefs, I uncovered many faulty attitudes,t had that destroyed my ability to believe in a power greater than myself. I had expectations that everything I prayed for would be given and that if I prayed for something I would never have any problems. Not so. The serenity prayer suggests that I pray for courage serenity and wisdom that is what I do today so that I can face life on life's terms
This is my hardest thing...to trust in any diety, so I had to make the program and love and yes there is, to me, a Creator, but I look at the energy it makes as my base..Love energy... that and the program.....I have faith in this program and its principles and steps, slogans, et al and the community of it...isn't it funny how a bunch of people from all walks of life, all kinds of beliefs some even agnostics and atheists, but we are all here gathered together to support each other with our experiences, strengths and hope....none of us are psychiatrists or even psychologists, I don't think, just ordinary people and the healing that goes on is amazing...miracle.....and the S prayer is about the only prayer that I think is best for any situation....all I am asking is for peace to accept....courage to change....and wisdom to differentiate.....thank you ((((Betty)))) for your wonderful service to this community.......Grateful HUGS...
Thank you Betty for your service and the daily. Thanks also for the ESH above me. I love this passage too and it does suggest the exact plan to believe in a power greater than self. I came with a distorted view of what that power should be for me and do for me. I had a ton of ego and felt God did not know me, or help me. What I had to accept when I had an open mind is it is I who walked away and stopped believing. He went no place at any time.
I do have a much better grip on faith than ever before. When things are making me uncertain, uncomfortable, sad or mad -- the program has taught me that's the time to Pause, Pray and Wait. Before recovery, I would react based on my emotions and usually made a mess out of things. Walking by faith has served me much better than walking by sight.
I truly feel the presence of a power greater than I when I am willing to allow life to unfold and trust what is instead of obsessing what is not. Thank you Al-Anon and MIP for this lovely place to stop and share! Happy Tuesday to one and all - my fridge decided to freak out in the night so we're trouble shooting circuit breakers - yippee....NOT! Was not on my agenda for today but it is what it is! I believe my HP is keeping me busy so I don't dwell on my silly sons....ha! Make it a great day 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
thanks betty. gives me something to ponder on. so many dissapointments and losses over time. I know that alone in a hostile world feelling. been walking with it lately.
