I get a kick out of hearing guys on my block make fun of 12 step groups and recovery services. They say things like, “Recovery Services is a joke” or “I’ll never go to AA in prison, clean time doesn’t even count when you’re locked up. The real test comes when you hit the street.” While they might have a point in saying that we will really be tested when we get out, because that is certainly when the “rubber meets the road”. They are misleading themselves in mocking the very fellowships that will help them stay sober when they are on the outside. If you can’t take time out for AA or NA when you have nothing but time, what makes you think you’re going to do it when you have the responsibilities of life pulling on you from every angle? Let me give you a reality check- It’s not going to happen! Those same people will then say, “Well, I don’t need AA or NA to stay sober. I’ve made up my mind, I’m done.” I can only shake my head and smile. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. Or keep them coming back.
"Acceptance and Faith are capable of producing100 percent sobriety. In fact, they usually do: and they must: else we could have no life at all. But the moment we carry these attitudes into our emotional problems, we find that only relative results are possible. Nobody can, for example, become completely free from fear, anger and pride."
Hence, in this life we shall attain nothing like perfect humility and love. So we shall have to settle, repeating most of our problems, for a very gradual progress punctuated sometimes by heavy setbacks. Our old time attitude of "all or nothing" will have to be abandoned. “ (As Bill Sees It, Pg6)
I’m thankful today for the rooms of recovery and the fellowship of AA & NA. They have shown me the true nature of my problems and have provided a hand of support that I’ve recognized my need for. But overall, I’m thankful that God has made it all possible that He has and is doing for me every day, what I cannot do for myself.
Jesus told us over 2,000 years ago, “Without ME you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)
Let these words sink down into your utmost being and allow them to start to transform your way of thinking.
“Thou hast given so much to me…Give one more thing- A GREATFUL HEART.” - George Herbert
