Freedom Under God - The Choice Is Ours
I think Bill W. “happened” on something very important, to me at least, with what he speaks of here. He begins by saying that without freedom from alcohol, “we have nothing at all.”
From The Language of the Heart: Bill W’s Grapevine Writings
“Paradoxically, though, we can achieve no liberation from the alcohol obsession until we have become willing to deal with those character defects which have landed us in that helpless condition.”
Sometimes I’m amazed how easy it is for me to see something in someone else yet not be able to see the same defect in myself. I often wonder if my childhood was truly that bad and these defects developed to the extent that they’re so difficult to remove that I had to have God’s help! Yet, I’m not unique…
“Even to gain sobriety only, we must attain some freedom from fear, anger, and pride; from rebellion and self-righteousness; from laziness and irresponsibility; from foolish rationalization and outright dishonesty; from wrong dependencies and destructive power driving.”
Oh heck, without much fanfare I’m sure I have all of them to one degree or another…
“In this freedom quest, we are always given three choices. A rebellious refusal to work upon our glaring defects can be a ticket to destruction. Or, for a time, we can stay sober with a minimum of self-improvement and settle ourselves into a comfortable but often dangerous mediocrity.”
Dammit Matt! You told me you thought I had gotten some bad suggestions and here I find you yourself had given me one! “Strive for mediocrity”… I think not!
“Or we can continuously try hard for those sterling qualities which can add up to greatness of spirit and action - true and lasting freedom under God, the freedom to find and do His will.”
Yeah… :)
[Graphic credit - Angels Collection]
Tags: 12th-Step, 1st-step, 7th-step, freedomRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Beginners Meeting, First Step, The Seventh Step, The Twelfth Step
2 opinions for Freedom Under God - The Choice Is Ours
dAAve
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:15 am
I can’t agree with that because the obsession to drink was removed long before I dealt with my character defects (steps 4-7).
My willingness to accept a HP into my life and ask for help was all that was needed. This was my experience and not necessarily anyone else’s.
Mark
Dec 30, 2007 at 5:59 pm
And that’s more than okay dAAve :) Notice we both say “This works for me…”
I continue to subscribe to my sponsors’ principle which is “I don’t care what keeps you sober as long as you know what it is and you do it!”
Have a happy New Year!
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