“The 1st Step had me confused. Was I really powerless?”

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

Worthy of Love

“We must fulfill our desires, vocationally and recreationally, if we are to successfully offer up our special talents. If the love we're expressing is part of God's plan for us, not just to satisfy the selfish ego, we'll not stray from one another's dream. That's the true reason we're here; in this place, at this time, with these particular people. Others cannot pull us from our true calling.”

Adapted from Worthy of Love

A Childlike Nature

“There are certain childlike qualities that are the essence of spiritual maturity. How can we cultivate these qualities as a way to deepen our experience and response to God’s presence in our life? The road is in surrender; like that of a little child who sleeps without fear in its father’s arms. In complete trust & safety, asleep in the arms of God, we rest in the midst of a fear, in the midst of the sadness, grounded in a Love that transcends both fear and sadness.”

Adapted from A Childlike Nature

Meditation for the Day

Meditation for the Day “Look to God for the true power that will make you effective. See no other wholly dependable supply of strength. That is the secret of a truly effective life. And you, in your turn, will be used to help many others find effectiveness. Whatever spiritual help you need, whatever spiritual help you desire for others, look to God. Seek that God's will be done in your life and seek that your will conforms to His. Failures come from depending too much on your own strength. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may feel that nothing good is too much for me if I look to God for help. I pray that I may be effective through His guidance.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

The 1st Step had me confused. Was I really powerless? If my life was unmanageable, who would manage it? My business card said, “President, Action Clothing Sales.” I was supposed to manage sales & distribution of clothing and accessories in the Southwest US. My accounts were specialty & department stores and distributors. I called my sponsor and told him of my objections. He listened, then said something that’s stuck with me the last 43 years. “Steve, I know that’s your job. How’s it working out for you?”

It took me less than a minute to answer, “it’s not. I’ve lost most of my accounts, been fired from Pierre Cardin, it’s not working.” Rather than be critical, he simply said, “Steve, the answer to Step 1 is in Steps 2 & 3. We need help and power from Something other than a chemical solution. Do you think there’s a Power greater than drugs and alcohol?”

At the time, I had no idea, other than to say, “There must be! Are you trying to Baptize me?!” He laughed and answered, “The key is willingness. Sounds like you have it. Read the Chapter We Agnostics, and let’s discuss it.”.

Ever since then, when confronted with a situation being powerless or unmanageable, that chapter has helped. “Lack of power, that was our dilemma.”

It still is. Today, my insanity is not about taking a drink; it’s the false belief that I should be managing, or that things and people should be a certain way - my way!

My friend Bruce Almighty and I often laugh about this insanity. We try to pass on the new solution: Power & inspiration from meetings, step work, prayer & meditation, and working with others.

Thank you for showing me the way. It’s far better than the combination that, like Bill W., landed me on the rocks.