I have a question.

[stodd]

Mike, I just did my 5th step and feel great. Came home grabbed the book and went thru the first 5 proposals. Making sure nothing was left out. I became entirly read for God to remove my defects. But I am struggling with step 6 and 7. Is there a difference between a defect and shortcomming? The shortest meeting I was at is when I brought up those steps. Everyone had something different to say which left me more confused. I have been reading the 12&12 and it sez step six is a lifetime process and step seven is the humility step. So what do you think? Thanks Lorie

[alcoholrehabcoach]

Originally Posted by stodd

Mike, I just did my 5th step and feel great. Came home grabbed the book and went thru the first 5 proposals. Making sure nothing was left out. I became entirly read for God to remove my defects. But I am struggling with step 6 and 7. Is there a difference between a defect and shortcomming? The shortest meeting I was at is when I brought up those steps. Everyone had something different to say which left me more confused. I have been reading the 12&12 and it sez step six is a lifetime process and step seven is the humility step. So what do you think? Thanks Lorie

Okay I actually had to think about this question a little more than usual, because while on the surface it looks like you are asking me to interpret different words (defect and shortcoming), what I think that you are looking for right now, is really a feeling of certainty.

It's clear that you have been making some wonderful progress, and now you really want to "do what you're supposed to" because you don't want to mess up. Does that sound about right?

Before I say anything else, tell me how that sounds to you. Am I on the right track?

[stodd]

Mike, Yes. I want to continue working the steps and don't want to miss out on anything. (promises) I realize it's a lifetime process and mabey I need to pray for patience. But some people say short comings and defect are the same and some people say are not. What do you think? Thanks Stodd

[alcoholrehabcoach]

Originally Posted by stodd

Mike, Yes. I want to continue working the steps and don't want to miss out on anything. (promises) I realize it's a lifetime process and mabey I need to pray for patience. But some people say short comings and defect are the same and some people say are not. What do you think? Thanks Stodd

Stodd,

If you want to know what I think, my best answer is:

Nothing has any meaning except the meaning you choose to give it. So what meaning can you give it, to take the actions you must, to get the results that you desire.

If that doesn't make sense to you, then look closer at your own questions and you will see God has already given you the answers. You say you want to work on your shortcomings and have God take away your defects, so right away you have two things you can work on:

Confusion and Patience.

To me, whenever I'm confused it means I'm about to learn something new. For patience, I believe that "God's delays are not God's denials."

I encourage you to continue gathering information from many different sources, to help you improve your judgment.

Remember that making better decisions comes from having better judgment, and having better judgment usually comes from making bad decisions!

Great job, Stodd, you're well on your way to freedom.