Good morning everyone:

Todays reading is about defining spiritual concepts for ourselves within Alanon. The writer describes coming to the program and feeling apathetic about a Higher Power. For the writer, reading through the steps and all the references to God was met with skepticism. What really surprised the writer though, was that other members only shared their experience, strength and hope. No one suggested or told the writer what type of connection he/she should have with a Higher Power. Over time the writer forged his/her own relationship with a HP.  The writer was able to find his/her own truth and relationship with a HP; this relationship helped the writer to share honestly, set boundaries and express emotions.

I cant say I ever felt skeptical or uneasy about references to a HP or God, although I understand  for many this is a difficult point to grapple with in the program.  What happened in my case was that I started to understand a relationship with God as something more than one sided.  I can be in conversation with God, I can ask for support, I can feel frustrated or even angry- all of the emotions that come with any relationship.  Like the writer, experiencing a relationship in this way has strengthened who I am in many ways.

I appreciate the quotation from As We Understood(p.69): As Al-Anon members, we are encouraged to define spiritual concepts in our own terms and are free to arrive at our own spiritual truths.

I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday.

Mary