"OUR EXPERIENCE BENEFITS""NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN THE SCALE WE HAVE GONE,
WE WILL SEE HOW OUR EXPERIENCE CAN BENEFIT OTHERS.
("Alcoholics Anonymous", p. 84 - 4th 9th step promise)
WE WILL SEE HOW OUR EXPERIENCE CAN BENEFIT OTHERS.
("Alcoholics Anonymous", p. 84 - 4th 9th step promise)
The elevator down to hell that I was on during my descent into alcoholism had many exit floors. When I finally exited, I had gone down the scale further than some and not as far as others.
Weight-wise I looked like a concentration camp victim when I got sober.
I was unable to hold a job. One day, I simply stopped going to work. I didn't bother to explain why, but in my mind I probably just thought of it as a "nervous breakdown" (if I thought anything). It was my alcoholism.
I was unable to function as a wife or mother. I was unable to care for my youngest child who was often taken to a neighbor's home when I would pass out.
My mind resembled scrambled eggs.
I was emotionally and spiritually near dead.
There was plenty to be ashamed of, to feel guilt about. However, as I worked the steps and the promises came true, God was able to transform the shame and guilt into something of value and worth by using those same experiences to help others recover.
Over the years of sobriety, I have had countless opportunities to share these experiences with others who have either reached that same miserable place themselves or are heading there. Today, I can share the hope and strength I found in Alcoholics Anonymous.
The miracle of one alcoholic being able to talk with another alcoholic when no one else can, the miracle of discovering there are people who "speak the same language", and that ability to identify, are all ways in which I find my experiences can help others.
As I share with another alcoholic, I experience the joy of step 12. Spiritual experiences are often the result of working with another alcoholic and practicing these principles in all my affairs.
Loving the promises,
Prayer Girl
(Photo credit: Flutter by Jessica Jenney)
11 comments:
Thank you.
Our darkest moments turn into our greatest assets. How can that happen? Must be a God thing. Sharing the hope and strength is abundant here. Sweet dreams.
Wow, you and I are on the same page. With my new job I am experiencing just what you are talking about. I tried to relay this in my latest post the best that I can, I admit I have a bad habit of being long winded when I write. But it really is the miracle of recovery when one alcoholic can reach another when others can't. The problem with my job is finding a balance and making sure the clients respect the non-alcholic addict staff the same way they respect those in recovery, it is up to those of us in recovery to help the clients understand this, tonight was a lesson in balancing my recovery and my job, God gave me another promise to help this out, "we will intuitively know how to handle situations which use to baffle us" as a practicing alcoholic I had a hard time with balance physical and mental today thanks to God I don't with It's help.
Thanks for sharing.
recovery on many levels. great post!
And what promises they are that you share! You are living proof of a miracle. Thank you for sharing dear one....
Since life experiences continue, my sharing should never have an ending.
I believe this all continues, in some way. Got to just trust God.
I love the promises too. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad that you aren't having a dark day today.
there is something very special about my husband when he talks to me of his friends in the program, and I know it must be that they are able to know him, much better in ways I cannot and I am grateful for his friends.
A living miracle! Thanks for sharing.
It is a breakdown of sorts. In glad you found your way out.
You are such a miracle. And thanks to you and do get a better understanding of what my Ex went through. I never will fully understand but getting a glimpse takes away a certain helplessness. Have a great day - hugs across the pond.
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