Daily Reprieve - July

[janbear]

ALL HE HAS DONE



"We, who have recovered from serious drinking, are miracles of mental health." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133



"O Lord my God, you have done many miracles for us. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them." Psalm 40:5



For what it's worth: In the last years of my drinking, rage and resentment ran rampant. Fear, self-pity, and despair dominated my thinking. I knew I would die a miserable, lonely death, and then I would rot in hell for eternity to pay for my sins. But it wasn't sin, it was disease. It was the nature of the progressive, insane affliction I suffered, alcoholism. And God was not out to get me, but save me. Thanks to the grace of God, instead of dying a horrible death, I have been granted a new life. Each day I do my best to live the Steps and walk with my Heavenly Father. He has accomplished “miracles of mental health” and “wondrous deeds” for this once insane and worthless drunk. It would take a forest full of trees to come up with enough paper to record all he has done for me.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

FAITH FOR THE DOUBTER



“…We could predict that the doubter who still claimed that he hadn't got the "spiritual angle," and who still considered his well-loved A.A. group the higher power, would presently love God and call Him by name.” 12 and 12, p.109



“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19 (New Living Translation)

For what it's worth: Alcoholism easily flooded out my weak faith, resulting in years of empty existence with a hole in my soul, daily attempting to fill it with alcohol. The alcohol was killing me. Afraid to die without a God, I turned to Alcoholics Anonymous for relief. I had no idea of the treasures I would find here. A daily reprieve from alcoholism is only the beginning. No longer afraid of death, one day at a time, I am living a new way of life overflowing with blessings. One is a growing faith with my soul filling with the love of a God I call my Heavenly Father.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

DOING LIFE HIS WAY



“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11 (New Living Translation)

For what it's worth: Life was miserable. I was miserable. Alcohol was the only companion I had left, and it was trying to kill me. What was there to live for? I asked myself that question many times each day during the last years of my drinking. I was totally unaware the answer to that question was coming once I stepped into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. And the answer would be unbelievably positive. All that was asked of me was to follow the lead of those who had lived the answer. They put themselves in God’s hands and lived each day according to his will. Following in their steps is not easy, but certainly worth every step. Sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous teaches me to let go and let God run my life one day at a time. When I do, life is joyful. When I fail, my Heavenly Father holds me and offers me ways to improve. Doing life His way, I am with Him today, trusting His love will always be with me tomorrow.


God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

A DROP OF WILLINGNESS



“There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me -- and He came.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 12



“Put God's kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all you need will also be given to you.” Matthew 6:33


For what it's worth: What was needed for me was relief and escape from reality. Alcohol provided that. It also provided a quick trip to insanity and a lonely death. I denied that at the time, but the scars of reality were bleeding, so I sought emergency care in Alcoholics Anonymous. Once sober long enough, I accepted the treatment I needed was spiritual, and I knew only The Great Physician could heal me, so I turned to Him. It's been like that ever since. Every time I hurt, I run to my Heavenly Father. All I need is a drop of willingness to do his will, and He handles everything else.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

HIDING MOTIVES



“This odd trait of mind and emotion, this perverse wish to hide a bad motive underneath a good one, permeates human affairs from top to bottom.” 12&12 p.94



“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:13

For what it's worth: During my drinking years, hiding a bad motive under an apparent good one was a main character in my hypocrisy. Shamefully, I used it to inflict deep and evil harm even on those I loved. Since deceptive motives were often the lead player in my controlling behavior, I need to watch for it even years into sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. I constantly check my motives with a spot-check Tenth Step inventory throughout the day. I must immediately identify selfish motives and quickly go to my Heavenly Father for strength to change. I cannot hide anything from Him, so I need to be completely open and honest. This is more difficult than it sounds because for so long I tried to hide not only my sins, but myself from Him.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

July 7

THE POWER OF LOVE



“He is the Father, and we are His children.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62:3



“His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:2



For what it’s worth: Growing up in a war zone teaches well about survival, but little about love. I learned that from a bunch of drunks. I had to get sober first in Alcoholics Anonymous. There I watched and learned as folks reached out to me and accepted me just as the mess I was. I saw how they gave of themselves to serve others and sacrificed for another suffering alcoholic. It was in AA that I found a loving Higher Power, Who I now call my Heavenly Father. In AA I have come to believe that I am a child of God and He loves me unconditionally. That is the greatest gift I have ever been given. It changed my attitude, my thinking, my behavior, my entire being, and my whole life.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

HIS HELPING HAND



“We had to have God's help.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62



“Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.” Proverbs 20:18 (The Message)



For what it's worth: During my days as alcoholism’s slave, I was too proud to ask God for anything. Pride and alcohol nearly killed me; instead my alcoholism grew so severe I had to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings; not for help, of course, but to benefit Alcoholics Anonymous. Fortunately, God forgave my arrogance and heard the desperate plea of a sick, suffering drunk. From that moment on, even when I did not realize it, my Heavenly Father has always been there when I needed Him. He usually works through people I know to be spiritual, so I go to them for counsel. I always try to express my gratitude for their assistance, and ask for their support and prayer. This always works - when I dump my pride. And I often need God's grace to do this even before I can humbly seek His helping hand with anything else.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[flick]

THE GOODNESS OF GOD

“He uses his gifts to build up a bright outlook for his family and himself, and then pulls the structure down on his head by a senseless series of sprees.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62

“I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.” Job 33:27-28

For what it's worth: My future looked bright, but I did not see alcoholism lurking in the shadows. Once it attacked, it destroyed me, my family, and everything of value in my life, reducing me to a lonely, angry, mistrusting, selfish, and despairing drunk. Still today, remembering the things I did and the things I did not do during those years, leaves me deep in shame and feeling undeserving of God's goodness. Thank God, I did not receive what I deserved; instead, my Heavenly Father offered me sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and an abundance of blessings during my sober years.

God bless you.

Joe W.
“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”

Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181



“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’”

Hebrews 13:5

[flick]

THAT AWFUL TONGUE

“Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen.” 12&12 p.91

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything." Proverbs 13:3

For what it's worth: Alcohol released my tongue and I ruined everything, especially my relationship with those I loved. Now, by the grace of God, I am sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, and I am learning to discipline the tongue. Since it is a deeply rooted defect, I seek God's support and apply Step Six and Seven daily. And the Prayer of St. Francis has proven indispensable, so I try to practice its principles daily. Control of my tongue is a lifelong and difficult job, but well worth the effort. I find it heightens humility and produces peace. Besides, others love it when I keep quiet, and I love the serenity.

God bless you.

Joe W.
“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”
Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181

“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5

[flick]

AN EXAMPLE OF LOVE

“Life will take on new meaning.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that
you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35

For what it's worth: Alcoholism and I destroyed all I loved. Existing without love, life had no meaning, and I needed to be drunk not to feel the torment. Using alcohol to kill the pain nearly killed me - no one would care. I went to Alcoholics Anonymous to avoid dying alone. And, from my first meeting on, I was not alone. Immediately, I saw and felt love for a drunk in those rooms, so I kept coming back for more. It was the example of the people loving one another that proved to me I was lovable and capable of loving. If they were, I was. Life took on new meaning, and today loving and being loved is who I am. Today, out of gratitude to God and Alcoholics Anonymous, I will try to show my love. Who knows? I may be a good example for someone.

God bless you.

Joe W.


“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”
Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181

“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5

[janbear]

OUR SHEPHERD



“Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 20



“Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25



For what it’s worth: Alcoholism has no Shepherd. It offers no one to turn to and no place to go…except everlasting torment. Most die in alcoholism’s hell. I am, indeed, grateful I was one of the few to be rescued. When it happened, I was too sick and insane to realize my first step into a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous was my first step on a spiritual journey leading to blessings I thought would never be given to me. Actually, my Good Shepherd provides all my needs. To demonstrate my gratitude, I have asked God’s grace to remove selfish thoughts and motives and focus on how I can help meet the needs of others in my life today.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

July 15

“BONDAGE TO SELF”



“We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 71



“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:23



For what it's worth: My alcoholism is a self-centered disease that dominated my thinking and motives for years. Even after years in recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, its impact can yet be felt. It certainly did block me off from God, and it still is capable of just that. I have taken this defect to God in our Sixth and Seventh Step on many occasions. Moreover, I believe God will remove self-will, but in His time, not mine. I need to be patient with myself and my Lord, being careful not to use God’s timing as an excuse to hang on to things selfish. And, I am certain I must do my part, daily applying Step Six and Seven and taking inventory in Step Ten. It helps to look at the progress God and I have made already in my struggle with bondage to self. Above all, I need constantly to trust that my Heavenly Father loves me just as I am right now.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

BACK INTO HIS ARMS



“…If we remind ourselves that ‘it is better to comfort than to be comforted, to understand than to be understood, to love than to be loved,’ we will be following the intent of Step Eleven.” 12&12 p.103



“Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it.” 1 Peter 4:8 (The Message)



For what it's worth: The emptiness of alcoholism engulfed me when alcohol became more important to life than love. Once sober long enough in Alcoholics Anonymous, and I could feel the absence of love, I sought fulfillment in the love I felt from the people and a merciful God. They offered me Twelve Steps that taught me a way of life filled with love. Practicing these Steps day by day, I came to be able to love more than demand to be loved. All of my relationships improved, especially my closeness with my Heavenly Father. Today, when I feel distant, I know to find someone to love with a kind word or action. This always brings me back to my Heavenly Father's arms.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

WHY FRET?



“When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God's hands were better than anything we could have planned.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 100



“He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.” Psalm 48:14



For what it's worth: Alcoholism blinded me. I could not see the hand of God protecting me. But only He could have saved me from a horrible alcoholic ending. Only He could have guided me to Alcoholic's Anonymous. Only He could have opened my eyes and my heart to His presence in my life. I try to grow closer to God every day by practicing the Twelve Steps He gave me, but all too often I sabotage myself. I am too slow to pause and ask His guidance when difficulties occur. I tend to rush in without Him. Also, I easily forget I am in His hands, becoming confused, doubtful, and anxious. Instead, I need be confident; realize my Heavenly Father always holds me close to His heart; and, He has already guided me to joys I never believed possible. So, why fret?



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

THE BROAD HIGHWAY



“If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55

“Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

For what it's worth: Harmony and peace could not be for me as long as I was on alcoholism's death row. Although my relationship with God was crippled, He had mercy and granted me a daily reprieve, placing me with the loving people of Alcoholics Anonymous. Now I have the opportunity to demonstrate His love. Sure, He can and has used me to go into the gutters of life, but He knows love is needed at home in meetings. So, at every meeting, let me reach out to someone, welcoming, encouraging, and sharing as was done with me. God willing, I will stay sober and be doing my part to bring others onto the Broad Highway.
God bless you.
Joe W.

[janbear]

SEEK GOD FOR SUCCESS



“If strong people were stalemated in the search for peace and harmony, what was to become of our erratic band of alcoholics?” 12&12 p.130



“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24


For what it's worth: There was no hope in the Lord or anyone else during my diseased days of alcoholic drinking. After all, if normal people struggled, a drunk like me would definitely go under. That's also what I thought about Alcoholics Anonymous. They had to be a weak bunch. So, how could they help me? As it turns out, they helped me the same way they helped themselves. Alcoholics Anonymous sought a Higher Power for fulfillment. And they offered me a merciful, loving God for sobriety and survival. Even after all these years, it is still that way. When weak, I run to my Heavenly Father for strength. And I have faith that should problems arise for any member or group of Alcoholics Anonymous, God will be sought for success.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

HE LOVES ME



“In all times of emotional disturbance or indecision, we can pause, ask for quiet, and in the stillness simply say: ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference’.” 12&12 p.41



“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7

For what it's worth: God would not act on my behalf, except to condemn me for what I did and what I failed to do. And I deserved it. That self-pity, my sick pride, and stubborn resistance were a black cloud of doom hanging over me even long into recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. Many sober years working the Twelve Steps were necessary to be rid of that dark cloud. Finally in the sunlight, I saw God loved me and was looking after me even during my dark, diseased days. And my sober experiences have taught me to trust God's love. He will be with me during the strongest storms. During the storm, it might appear He is absent, or slow getting there, but He will be there with me because He wants to be with me. He loves me and will never allow me to suffer alone.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

KEEP ON PRAYING



“In A.A. we have found that the actual good results of prayer are beyond question.” 12&12 p.104



“Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:12



For what it's worth: Back when I was drinking and dying, I stubbornly refused to pray. Once sober long enough in Alcoholics Anonymous to realize I was in a life and death struggle with the insidiously powerful cut-throat, alcoholism, I abandoned my insane attitude about prayer. I needed God's grace to stay sober and alive. My first prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous was suggested by my sponsor: “please help me”. My second prayer was suggested by my sponsor: “thank you”. That was the beginning of a prayerful journey, daily walking and talking with my Heavenly Father. He has used my own experiences to teach me the power of prayer. I doubted often in the grasp of suffering, but when no one else could help, and there was nothing left to do, I prayed and kept on praying. Now I know how to light up even the darkest agony - keep on praying.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

GOD GETS THE CREDIT



“We all need the light of God's reality, the nourishment of His strength, and the atmosphere of His grace.” 12&12 p. 98



“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5



For what it's worth: There was not much to start with, so Alcoholism easily scripted me naked of all self-confidence. When finally sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was afraid I could not do what was required to stay sober and alive. Sick pride and lack of trust made me reluctant to seek help, but the fear forced me to rely on a Higher Power. Doing so for many sober years has built trust in God's love and relieved me of the fear, but that pride still sneaks back, wanting me to take credit. What saves me is a deep awareness that I would have died a lonely, alcoholic death many years ago without God's grace. Yet, I am here right now sober and grateful. Without my Heavenly Father, I am no more than a worthless, no-good drunk.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

HE IS THERE



“To watch the eyes of men and women open with wonder as they… awaken to the presence of a loving God in their lives -- these things are the substance of what we receive as we carry A.A.'s message to the next alcoholic.” 12&12 p. 110



“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20



For what it's worth: My alcoholism attempted to shut out God, but He came charging in to rescue me. Since then I have experienced God's presence during many troublesome times; He is there to protect me. I know He attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings; I can sense His Spirit there acting through the people. God is there when I pray with my partner before going on a Twelve Step call. He is present whenever I pray with someone. God loves to be with us. He promised He would be there when two or more come together to do His will.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

“If we were to live, we had to be free of anger.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 66

“Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help." Psalm 30:10

For what it's worth: Reality had been dodged for so long that when it whacked me in the head, I feared and raged. I was angry at God. I fought acceptance and surrender. I could not be powerless. I did not need to meet with a bunch of drunks. And, as a Marine, I was not about to surrender. I was afraid I could not do what Alcoholic's Anonymous suggested I needed to do to stay sober and alive. Indeed, it was miraculous that I did not drink while fighting the Program. It was God. I do not remember crying out for help, but, despite my attitude, He was merciful to me. I did not realize it at first, but when I became aware of God's help I started to believe He loved me. That was the start of my spiritual recovery. Today, instead of fighting there is surrender, instead of anger there is calm, and instead of fear there is trust in my Heavenly Father's love.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

“Avoid then, the deliberate manufacture of misery, but if trouble comes, cheerfully capitalize it as an opportunity to demonstrate His omnipotence.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133



“For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:17



For what it's worth: Alcoholism manufactured enough misery. It needed no help from me, but I had to contribute anyway. God must have noticed that I was burying myself, because He granted me sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. After many sober years and a lot of patience on God's part, I see my problems right size and attempt to find opportunity in them. I know my heaviest burdens are never as severe as they feel at the time, and they always produce spiritual growth. Getting through them without drinking certainly demonstrates God's grace at work in my life. And there is always a blessing.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

ERODING SOBRIETY



“Nothing counted but thoroughness and honesty.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 65



“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10



For what it's worth: My identity was lost in the lies. By the time I showed up at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, I did not know my real self. So, not being able to be genuine about who I was, with God’s help I became rigorously honest about my experiences. In sober time, the real pieces came together and I dumped the lies. Years practicing the principle of honesty and begging God's grace, I have learned who I am, and today, when I share about myself, I double check my honesty so the lies never creep back. It is that first little one that starts eroding my sobriety.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[janbear]

HEAVENLY RICHES



“We can truly thank God for the blessings we have received…." 12&12 p.95



“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!” Revelation 2:9



For what it's worth: Alcoholism saw to it that my afflictions were abundant and my poverty was prevalent - there were no blessings. In his loving mercy, God saw to it that I was rescued from alcoholism’s hell, guided to Alcoholics Anonymous, and given Twelve Steps that led me to a spiritual awakening, freeing my heart and soul to God’s grace. Today, if I merely open my eyes, I see my life overflows with heavenly riches.



God bless you.



Joe W.