“The only thing to grasp, Steve, is that there must be a God, and we’re not it!””

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

Living in Fear

Alan Cohen

“To live in fear is not natural; neither is it our destiny. Our destiny is to live in peace & express joy. We dump our fear by trusting life to provide as we live our truth. *Today, God, help me to see beyond the illusions of my fears; to walk in Your strength to freedom. Love is my nature. My trust in You manifests miracles.”

Adapted from A Deep Breath Of Life

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Thought for the Day We are given a choice to turn to that Divine Principle in the universe that we call God. Have I stopped trying to run my own life? Meditation for the Day In the midst of a restless world, surrounded by trouble & difficulty, there is a peace that only God can give. To know that peace is to have received the stamp of the kingdom of God. When you have earned that peace, you are fit to judge between true & false values; between the values of the kingdom of God, or all that the world has to offer. Prayer for the Day I pray that today I may have inner peace. I pray that today I may be at peace with myself.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

“God as we understand Him.” What’s that phrase all about? I remember my first few meetings, even though the miracle of hope was beginning to penetrate my soul, my brain was trying to figure it out. Less than 30 days clean and sober, once again, I called my sponsor. “Who’s in charge, here? What are you trying to sell me? Is this a cult? Are you going to baptize me?”

I really didn’t know it then, but Gary was the perfect 1st sponsor for me. He had 3- 4 years in sobriety, was on the Young People’s Advisory Committee, was going to school, working, had a girlfriend, knew the Big Book, and always answered the phone.

Gary said to me, “Steve, your questions are normal. How was your life going the day before you got here? AA is not a cult; you can leave anytime you want.”

Then he asked me to open the book to Chapter 4, WE AGNOSTICS. Looking at it, he then said, “This chapter was written for anyone not sure who or what God is. I was one of those; so are you. We’re not here to tell you who or what to believe in. In fact, one of the early members (https://sbfreethinkers.org/jim-burwell-and-freethought-groups/) who helped write the 12 Steps was just like you & me. He didn’t want anyone shoving the God thing down his throat.

The only thing to grasp, Steve, is that there must be a God, and we’re not it!”

I remember laughing so hard; Yes, it was true. I was trying to play God in everything; the manager of my life, my world, the chief critic, judging everything. At that moment, I began to let AA, the 12 Steps, the Big Book, the meetings and my sponsor be my Higher Power. It was the beginning of uncovering my fears, illusions and false beliefs. AA is like a flashmob, offering A Stairway to Heaven!

Thanks for the Gift of Desperation, the Gift of Willingness; it still pays dividends each day as I walk the path of Faith & Trust.