Damage

TRUTH

My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬-‭22

REFLECTION

I need examples. And I need one example.

We tell people in early recovery to keep coming back. We encourage them to attend meetings, to get phone numbers, to get to know their fellows in recovery.

We also tell them they won’t stay sober through osmosis.

But it really helps to stick closely to others who are walking and talking successful recovery.

We have been deep in the drunk world. We have learned through repetition and imitation how to live and function in a world where all that matters is the next drink.

Now we need to undo all of that.

It’s no wonder it is uncomfortable.

We are undoing our very personality, the very person we had become. It makes no difference that it’s a needed change; the discomfort and pain always accompany new sobriety.

But the beauty of recovery is the willingness of so many to share this burden with us. I was only as alone as I chose to be. There were always opportunities to go to a meeting, to be around others.

And I needed this. It’s how I learned to live in the sober world.

Change only came through doing the work. Through sacrificing my own perception that God might give me a new one.

God, help me pass this perspective to others.

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
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