"Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity"
BOOK
REFERENCES:
AA: ‘We Agnostics’ pgs 44 to 60
Appendix II - Spiritual Experience
ACTION PAGES: Page 47 in the Big Book of AA
NA: It Works How and Why - Pages 17 - to 25 AND
NA BASIC TEXT Pages 22 to 24
We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God. Alcoholics Anonymous, 1976, p. 46
My Experience IN WORKING WITH OTHERS
When I do the second step
with people, I have been pretty lucky so far and ask the question, “Do you
believe that a power greater than yourself could restore you to sanity?” and
so far, everyone has said, “Yes”. I
directly proceed to the third step. If
you have people who have issues with the I recommend the readings below.
I also recommend a download from the BIG BOOK BUNCH covering all the
steps. Print out the second step
for them, and begin to go through the HOW TO. Give your directions
and share your experience, strength and hope with them.
“The fact is that we had not cleaned house so that the Grace of God could enter.” 12 & 12
Note that this step does not say, “Came to believe IN a Power Greater that ourselves.” But rather, “Came to believe THAT a power Greater than ourselves…”
The word sponsor is used about 12 times in the 12 & 12 for step 2. The Big Book titled Alcoholics Anonymous, tells this helper to “Walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress” with the new person. Believing that something has more power than you do isn’t hard when you look at your addiction/dysfunction, is it? How you define, or even if you define, your Higher Power isn’t very important in the beginning, and it will change over time. Mine has! Sanity…what does that mean for you? I believe it is more about balance of privilege and responsibility that it is about mental illness or madness. Think about it, to be restored to balance makes a lot of sense!
1)
Take a piece of paper and draw a
line down the middle. On the left side list all you were taught, or all you believe what God is. If you have no idea, then write down the word
"Nothing." On the right side list what you want God to be for you, (best
friend, loving. trustful, forgiving, non-judgmental, or whatever you like).
When you are done, tear it down the middle, from top to bottom, and throw away the left side.
You are now left with a God of your understanding; one you will feel comfortable praying to.
2)
Read, We Agnostics pgs. 44 - 60.
3)
Write, Any doubts, questions, or words that you don't
understand, and then discuss these with another alcoholic. Once completed, you are then ready to move on. Recovery from
Distorted
Images of God -
Click
Here to go on.
We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. Do I now believe, or am I willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself? As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built. Alcoholics Anonymous, 1976, p. 47
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This Website was last updated on:
January 26, 2007
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