EXAMPLES OF MESSAGES

THE GREATEST GIFT

 

 “Many of us have been so touchy that even casual reference

to spiritual things made us bristle with antagonism.”      

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 48

 

 “Surely, your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”    

Psalm 23: 6

 

For what it's worth:   My dread of being unloved by God caused deep antagonism and nursed my alcoholism for years. I believed He had destined me to die the lonely, miserable death that lurked at my door, partially welcomed, mostly feared. This anxiety drove me to the recovery rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the kindness I received there cracked my walls of resistance. I started to believe that perhaps, just perhaps I was loved. After all, Something had pursued me and carried me to these good people. They suggested I ask God to teach me to trust His love. I have done so, and over my years in Alcoholics Anonymous, my Heavenly Father has created all manner of lessons about His unconditional love. Today, even as undeserving as I am, I am convinced of His unfailing love, the greatest gift I have ever been given.

 

 

 AN UNDERSTANDING OF GOD

 

 “God makes that possible.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62


“The Lord is merciful and gracious...

He does not deal with us as we deserve.”

Psalm 103:8 & 10


For what it's worth:     During the years of my active alcoholism, I did not see God as "merciful" and "gracious". He was hard, harsh, and quick to condemn, so I tried to live as far away from Him as I could. But “The Hound of Heaven” would not leave me alone to die the horrible alcoholic death I earned. I did not have to face my Maker with my depraved attitude, being judged as I deserved. Instead, God made it possible for me to come to believe in Him as a loving and merciful Father. Since He knew I could not accomplish this drastic change on my own, He carried me to a bunch of sober, tricky, and wise drunks in Alcoholics Anonymous. They worked with me until I came to believe in the precious gift they had been given, an understanding of God. As inadequate as it may be, I recognize Him as my patient and forgiving Heavenly Father Who adores me just as I am right now. 

 

 

 

 THE HARD PART – TO PAUSE

 

 "...We pause when agitated or doubtful and ask for the right thought or action."    

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87

 

 "Rescue me from my enemies, O God."    

Psalm 59: 1

 

 For what it’s worth:   When I was under the influence of alcohol and resentments, I was convinced I had many enemies. Fortunately, when a Higher Power and the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous gave me sobriety and ability to open my soul to self-examination, I learned I am my own worst enemy. I see how I am defeating myself when I rush straight into rough waters, reacting my way and relying on my own “power”, without any concern for my God’s will. So, each new day, I pray to be rescued from myself throughout the day. At night, I inventory how well I did. On those many days when I do not do well, I talk with my Heavenly Father about what corrections to make the next day. And, the next morning, I ask Him to help me “pause when agitated or doubtful and ask for the right thought or action.” The “pause” is the hard part for me.

 

 

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The Daily Reprieve is intended only for the good of readers. The excerpts from the book, Alcoholics Anonymous are reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS). Permission to reprint these excerpts does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only - use of these excerpts in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A. context, does not imply otherwise. Additionally, while A.A. is a spiritual program, A.A. is not a religious program. Thus, A.A. is not affiliated or allied with any sect, denomination, or specific religious belief.

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