Refresher: An AA in a meeting I attend developed a way to start working the Twelve Steps – using The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. I am passing along what I am working – step-by-step, and have inserted some Bible verses that both convict and comfort me.
It’s not the meetings you make; it’s the steps you take. (Heard in an AA Meeting)
Are you ready for Step 2?
Step 2 – Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Read Chapter 4 “We Agnostics” in the Big Book. On all the steps from here on, underline what the MUSTS are in each step in the Big Book, the prayers and the promises, and what in particular speaks to you while reading it.
- Define words, believe, power, could, and sanity.
- Write out the obsessions you have TODAY – or have had in the past. (note: Whatever we think about the most is our God, or our obsession, for that day.)
- To what do you want to be restored?
- Write down the person you what would like to be like—the qualities. Spend some thought here, spend time on this, and get in touch with your heart’s desire for yourself. My AA friend says to be specific on what these attributes are – like becoming loving, tender, kind, safe, a trustworthy friend to people, flexible, good sense of humor, etc
- A handy process prayer — what you pray even when things look upside down and backwards — is saying and believing “God is restoring me to sanity, right now.”
Restoring anything takes time, effort, skill, and willingness. And the hand of a Master Craftsman. Meditate on these definitions and attributes – and Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Good to see you – Hope the that your working the steps are strengthening and encouraging you. I’d like to hear your thoughts.
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
