Back There

TRUTH

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm‬ ‭51‬:‭10

REFLECTION

Can we just leave the past back there? It’d make things easier, presumably.

Well, yes and no.

Surely, we do leave behind our old ideas and attitudes. We are making a concerted effort to put as much distance between ourselves and our old selves as possible.

This is growth.

This is good.

We don’t wish to repeat the mistakes that brought us toward addiction in the first place, so we try to live anew, with fresh habits, friends and routines.

Why all the reflection then on our past shortcomings and wrongs? Why can’t they stay buried if we’ve been reborn?

Counsel here is advised. It’s better to have help walking through the inventory of step four and amends of step 9.

We should not forget the past, nor should we dwell in it. These steps exist to properly address what got us into trouble so that we don’t go back.

But they’re designed to be taken together with an understanding person.

And quickly.

To dwell is to drag is to bleed. Self-pity comes on the heels of procrastination and can do a lot of harm.

God, help me not drag my feet.

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NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
Contact on LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.