The Twelve Steps and Lent: Step 2
I went through Step 1 when I introduced the idea of using the 12 step model for a Lenten practice. Due to the positive response, I'll be continuing with the steps and throwing in a thought or two to ponder.
Recap: Step 1: You have already come to the conclusion - because you have hit the bottom of the barrel or the collapse of your business or personal life because of focus on one thing above all others (the essence of addiction) that your life is out of balance - and in some cases, is completely out of control.
Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Notice in this step the word COULD. You're not completely sold on it - you still have your doubts. YET despite your doubts, despite the chance you are about to take, you know the one thing you have to compare this chance to... the predictable, painful, unproductive wall you have been running into time and time again.
Let's take this step apart: 1) you came to believe [not a small feat to reach this destination] that 2) a power greater than ourselves [bravo - you have come to face a real truth: you are finite, your 'power' is finite, your need exceeds your ability to address the need] 3) could restore us to sanity [there is hope - there is possibility - there is more than an fleeting chance, more than a "Might"]
Taking this next step we move into the realm of flirting with faith - a very good move indeed. Taking this step you move out of your comfort zone (no matter how miserable, painful, destructive a place, at least you were intimately familiar with it) into a new place - a place of possibility.
The longer you stay at this step, the more bold you are to move from the belief that your Higher Power not only could(theoretically) restore you, but that that same Higher Power CAN AND WILL restore you to sanity - to wholeness.
Again, I say take these steps slowly. Most probably your downward spiral was gradual, not a freefall - and that your recovery will be gradual as well.
I encourage you to post your comments, experience, reflections below or write to me @ deaconj@geraniumfarm.org. If you write to me personally, let me know whether I have permission to share your experience or story with the rest of the Farmers @ MOLC.
Blessings and courage on your journey into a life of health and freedom!
Recap: Step 1: You have already come to the conclusion - because you have hit the bottom of the barrel or the collapse of your business or personal life because of focus on one thing above all others (the essence of addiction) that your life is out of balance - and in some cases, is completely out of control.
Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Notice in this step the word COULD. You're not completely sold on it - you still have your doubts. YET despite your doubts, despite the chance you are about to take, you know the one thing you have to compare this chance to... the predictable, painful, unproductive wall you have been running into time and time again.
Let's take this step apart: 1) you came to believe [not a small feat to reach this destination] that 2) a power greater than ourselves [bravo - you have come to face a real truth: you are finite, your 'power' is finite, your need exceeds your ability to address the need] 3) could restore us to sanity [there is hope - there is possibility - there is more than an fleeting chance, more than a "Might"]
Taking this next step we move into the realm of flirting with faith - a very good move indeed. Taking this step you move out of your comfort zone (no matter how miserable, painful, destructive a place, at least you were intimately familiar with it) into a new place - a place of possibility.
The longer you stay at this step, the more bold you are to move from the belief that your Higher Power not only could(theoretically) restore you, but that that same Higher Power CAN AND WILL restore you to sanity - to wholeness.
Again, I say take these steps slowly. Most probably your downward spiral was gradual, not a freefall - and that your recovery will be gradual as well.
I encourage you to post your comments, experience, reflections below or write to me @ deaconj@geraniumfarm.org. If you write to me personally, let me know whether I have permission to share your experience or story with the rest of the Farmers @ MOLC.
Blessings and courage on your journey into a life of health and freedom!
posted by Joanna Depue | 10:25 PM
1 Comments:
thanks for putting these steps up! I have always wanted to do lent and I am glad this is posted! I am giving up sugar for the 40 days. I should be willing to give up anyhting I am addicted to for God and I am grateful for lent. I am know it isn't the season of lent but when is it ever to late for God to come unto him?
Thanks again
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