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.
This page comments on the role of faith in allowing some Alanon newcomers to more quickly grasp and benefit from the Higher Power concept than those without or that have lost faith.
A practiced faith in something greater than ourselves from previous spiritual endeavors can offer a great start, but those without that may also benefit even before they are convinced or believe in ALanon.
Such persons could simulate faith as it were by truly accepting, without reservation, and with full expectation of success. In this way, we can become aware of the power for good that Alanon points to, that does turn into a true faith.
Reminder: 'Surrender' to a more wise and powerful entity than ourselves lends steadiness and order to our lives as it becomes our guide.
"For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" - Romans -------------------------- I was raised extremely religious, developed and lived by a strong faith. I then dismantled that faith and built a more insistent atheistic faith in data and supposed reason.
Blessed with the gift of desperation but a high skepticism of faith, I was willing to try on this ALanon faith simulation with a self chosen, self created higher power. The key was that Alanon had tools that I was able to choose, that worked, that I truly accepted and chose to buy into 100%.
I would argue that my faith is more 'true', and strong, than what I thought was my spiritual faith of my younger self. Alanon helped me take the lessons from religious faith and turn them into something immensely more beneficial and not based upon concepts that divide peoples, cultures and countries...
Grateful for the wisdom and guidance of Alanon
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and share. I do have faith in an HP I call God, but I also have faith in alanon. Additionally I have faith in the power of positive thinking, being optimistic, and I believe that our thoughts determine our feelings. Alanon gives us the option to find an HP in whatever way can help us recover from the effects of alcoholism. I had faith in my sponsor who helped me. There are many forces in life greater than me. :)
