“With a shred of hope, I walked in, and hope was the first thing I experienced.”

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

Mystical Hope & Hope Takes Practice

Richard Rohr

“The deepest hope is an inner knowing that the brightest light can come from the darkest moments. We find that hope by first questioning, “What are the things that I’m hoping for? Who are they for? What is my deepest hope rooted in?” Hope transcends the physical; it is the language of the invisible. It takes practice to live in Joy rather than doubt and fear. How can we do this? Through contemplative practice & surrender, we can experience God’s mystical hope and become a healing presence in the world.” Adapted from Mystical Hope & Hope Takes Practice

Adapted from Richard Rohr Daily Meditations

Meditation for the Day

Meditation for the Day “You need to be constantly recharged by the power of the spirit of God. Commune with God in quiet times until the life from God, the Divine life, by that very contact, flows into your being and revives your fainting spirit. When weary, take time out and rest. Rest and gain power and strength from God, and then you will be ready to meet whatever opportunities come your way. Rest until every care and worry and fear have gone and then the tide of peace and serenity, love and joy, will flow into your consciousness. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may rest and become recharged. I pray that I may pause and wait for the renewing of my strength.”

Adapted from Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

After a steady downward spiral after being awarded Salesman of the Year, I sat in my van outside the Alano Club on 68th St & Thomas Rd., frozen with shame and fear, afraid to walk in. I said a prayer, “God, please help me.” It was an SOS - there was a message in a bottle - stop, let go, and have faith! But How?? With a shred of hope, I walked in, and hope was the first thing I experienced. I didn’t know it at the time that I was at my bottom, but I got a sponsor, a Big Book & a meeting list.

I started calling my sponsor when I felt “weird.” That was all the time!

Yesterday, after a full day of fellowship and calls, and working in the yard at the cabin, I got on our Men’s Zoom mtg at 6pm. Mickey A., a friend from 1983, shared some of the same early connections in sobriety as me. He shared the wisdom of the elder members; how they laid out the simple kit of tools for his inspection. He grabbed a hold; now, retired and living off the grid, has lived a good life with purpose. Fernando from Colombia, Kirk from Maui & Brent from Thailand, as well as friends from the mountains and the Valley all were on to share their journey; from despair to freedom, to faith and to a higher purpose.

Looking back, I could never have imagined the life I’ve been given; the hope, peace and joy that comes from going to meetings, doing the readings & working with others. And being a Dad, a friend, and a partner in an intimate relationship for 26 years.

The promise from THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM rings true:

“In return for a bottle and a hangover, we have been given the Keys of the Kingdom.”

Thank you for the simple gifts of keep coming back and to pass it on!