“Once driven by seemingly unlimited reliance on self, I hit a bottom and reached out to you and asked for help.”

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

The Spiritual Program—Its Importance for Mental Health

Raphael Simon

“Our defects acknowledged, instead of repelling God, draw Him to us. As this is understood through meditation, we realize that those things by which we feel are unlovable are exactly what we have to offer God to build a loving relationship.”

Adapted from Studies in Formative Spirituality, May 1989

Seeds of Faith

“Today, as I practice my recovery – cutting back the weeds of my alcoholism – slowly am I letting those early seeds of faith grow and bloom. Each day of recovery, of ardent gardening, brings the Higher Power of my understanding more fully into my life. My God has always been with me through faith, but it is my responsibility to have the willingness to accept His presence. Today, I ask God to grant me the willingness to do His will.”

Adapted from Daily Reflections

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day "The flow of life eternally through spirit, mind, and body cleanses, heals, restores and renews. Seek conscious contact with God more & more each day. Make God an abiding presence during the day; be conscious of His spirit in you. All effort done without God's spirit is passing; all done with God's spirit is life eternal. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may be in the stream of eternal life. I pray that I may be cleansed and healed by the Eternal Spirit.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Relationship. Practicing recovery. The idea of a God Eternal. These messages from today’s readings had me reflect on my journey so far. Once driven by seemingly unlimited reliance on self, I hit a bottom and reached out to you and asked for help. Broken, lost, in shame & debt, and terrified, I asked anyway. You did not turn me away; instead, you showed me the tools and shared your experience how you recovered. It got my attention, and I wanted more freedom to noy just stay sober, but to dance in life.

On the Men’s Zoom Step Mtg. Walter from St. Martin, Bud Las Vegas, Brent from Thailand, Fernando from Medellin, Kirk from Maui, Chuck from Vancouver and Timmy/Jimmy listened as Mike L. spoke on Step 12. Being extra smart, we all shared the same experiences trying to play God. Alcohol & other substances helped us break through barriers while others turned away. We thought we were strong & others weak. Yet, it was we who arrived into rooms of recovery, fighting nagging feelings of fear and insecurity. Mike shared that Step 12 is a culmination of all of the other steps and work we’ve done. We have experienced some measure of spiritual connection; some measure of togetherness, not being so alone, misunderstood and unique. Armed with facts & experiences to help one another, we build New life with confidence, esteem and security. Yet, many of us missed this new power! Playing the hero, big shot, or in self-pity, we shared our tales of insanity in sobriety. The stories are too crazy to share here; just go to a meeting and see for yourself! Alcohol was never the problem!

Thanks for showing me a solution that allows me to go dancing in the streets and not get arrested or wake up with a hangover. And thanks for a group of understanding misfits who continue to help me let go, laugh and grow.