Celebrating

A friend told me of a recorded meeting, celebrating Liz Bailey’s 62nd anniversary.

Yep — July 11 was Liz Bailey’s 62nd anniversary — and God willing in August she will be 93 years young!

Like all good meetings, her story was full laughs, tears, hooks and take-aways.

You may have gotten the monkey off your back — but the circus is still going on.

One of the biggest take-aways was she didn’t have have a rose garden recovery: marriage issues, adult children heartaches; her own bout with cancer and heart disease, and the deaths of her own parents — not to mention living sober with practicing alcoholics.

Listening

She shared her KEY: Gratitude!

Liz also said to those who have shown up and shared: You make the difference . . . Without you, there would be no me!

What worked for her has been working for me, and I hope THEE, dear reader — here a few takeaways:

Remembering:

But for the Grace of God . . . Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. And remains a grateful alcoholic!
I can love you, but I can detach from your ways and problems.
Real love looks for nothing in return — don’t get sober for anybody but ourselves.
Live and let live . . .
Let God be in charge; He’ll work it out.
Putting one hand in AA is good; putting the other in God’s is better.

This last suggestion dovetailed with a comment a friend made on Isaiah 41:13. Isaiah 41:13 has been a great walking aid, because I am alway stumbling over my silly self.

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

However, I didn’t fully appreciate the help having my right hand held by a power greater than I could be . . . . until I read a friend’s observation about this verse:

What struck me as I read this verse this morning is that God says to the reader/hearer, “I have your right hand.” My dominant hand. The hand I would need to use to wield a weapon or do anything else with strength or skill. But He is holding it. And He is using His own mighty right hand to fight. For me. And for each one who trusts in Him. Whatever your battle today, friends, you can look to Him. (Left handed loved ones, this is for you, too!)

Whatever is our battle today . . . we have a real helper who will take hold of hand.

Bend your knees before you bend your elbow. (AA Slogan)

Thanks for reading and celebrating with me!

Love in Christ,

Sober and Grateful

Celebrating