Wednesday 5/1/24
Step Seven Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings. —Step Seven of Al-Anon In the Sixth and Seventh Steps of the program, we become willing to let go of our defects of character - issues, behaviors, old feelings, unresolved grief, and beliefs that are blocking us from the joy that is ours. Then we ask God to take them from us. Isn't that simple? We don't have to contort ourselves to make ourselves change. We don't have to force change. For once, we don't have to "do it ourselves." All we have to do is strive for an attitude of willingness and humility. All we have to do is ask God for what we want and need, and then trust God to do for us that which we cannot do and do not have to do for ourselves. We do not have to watch with bated breath for how and when we shall change. This is not a self-help program. In this miraculous and effective program that has brought about recovery and change for millions, we become changed by working the Steps. Today, God, help me surrender to recovery and to the process by which I become changed. Help me focus on the Step I need. Help me do my part, relax, and allow the rest to happen. Giving Myself Permission
When I first came to Al-Anon I was one of those people who was very quiet. So quiet that about the only thing I ever said was my name when we went around the room. Oh, and I also said, “Pass,” when it was my turn to share.
It may sound silly, but I even volunteered to make the coffee at my first meeting just so the group would let me attend their meeting. I was afraid to share and afraid to let other Al-Anon members know that I didn’t have an alcoholic in my life anymore. My mother had been sober for several years and I was divorce from my husband who had a drinking problem. I was afraid that if the Al-Anon members found out that I didn’t have an alcoholic in my life to fix they would ask me to leave. Today I know differently, but my fears were real when I first arrived in Al-Anon. I had other fears keeping my silent. To anyone who also suffers from being silent in meetings, I would say, “You are not alone. Just keep coming back and keep trying.” My situation got better when I gave myself permission to start small. I started with my name. Then I added just one sentence, and then another. To my amazement, many people started talking to me after the meetings. I felt much better when I started opening up and I felt so much a part of the group. By Delores P., Oregon June, 2003 Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA. |
Today's Hope is a Recovery themed site with a focus on Friends and Families of Alcoholics and problem drinkers. We are not affiliated with any 12 Step program. The daily sharings contain a reading from
Al-Anon's Conference Approved publication The Forum, an inspirational quote/saying and a recovery based reading/meditation. The intent of Today's Hope is to share experience, strength and hope. Please take what you like and leave the rest. |