Don't Trip Over the First Step

Look out for the first step; it's a doozie. The first step is first for a reason. We have to completely submit to the reality that we are powerless over alcohol. How many times had we forgotten this before we got it right? Many of us are still trying to rewrite it a little bit to make it fit more into our lives... good luck with that. We read the first step and, of course, you often get to read the passage that you're meant to hear; the one that fits into your life at that moment. As soon as we get some good things going, a few positives strung together, even a significant life victory, we have to look out. This disease, so cunning, is quietly snickering as it knows how to use our egos against us. We forget that it is by the grace of God that we succeed; it is not of our own hand. And it is when we're feeling good that we may overlook the first step feeling as if we can manage anything. At this moment, you're either on your way to a relapse or a meeting. It's the first drink that kills you. It just takes one. When a you step in front of a speeding train, which is going to kill you, the Locomotive or the caboose? Thanks for letting me share.

Powerless Over Alcohol

Last night was a speaker night. As usual it was great to hear an inspiring story of survival by another alcoholic. He was a textbook alcoholic. It took him a long time to admit he was powerless over alcohol even though he found himself in rehab 15 times, did time in jail, and attempted suicide once. He had his first drink at 9 years old but figured he could have used one a couple years earlier than that. He was probably 40 now. One time he managed to make his last day in jail also his first. Having sworn off alcohol, he left jail in the morning and before the day was over he was back in jail drunk having assaulted a police officer. One time while in rehab he had a spiritual awakening. He felt as though God's grace had filled him. He didn't tell anyone because it was his gift and thought the staff would only think it was another attempt to get out of rehab. He shaped up, though. Stopped watching television, began eating organic food, was in the gym 4 days a week, even took a vow of celebacy. Four months later he was the healthiest homeless drunk in town. So, he was back in rehab again. He grabbed the Big Book and the 12 and 12 and began trying to figure out why he was an alcoholic. Opening the 12 and 12 he skipped to the 2nd step because he knew his life was unmanageable. Here in his story he takes a deep breath as he remembers his current sponsor explaining to him why he was an alcoholic. He was powerless. This construction worker, known for his bravado, wildness, extremeness and lack of fear had skipped over half of the first step. Left it as a glance of truth and never thought on it. He was powerless. Today, he wakes up every morning sober, not in jail, and before getting ready for his successful job he prays to God for power. The power that he does not have and only God does. Thanks for letting me share.