Piety

TRUTH

But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

James‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7

REFLECTION

My perspective has been skewed for so long and at so many times that it’s probably still bent in some ways.

This was a big hurdle in getting and staying sober. Reality was different than the flimsy model I held in my head.

I deeply believed that I would be ok. That I could stop when I wanted. That I had enough power on my own. That this was something most people did.

And beyond that, I believed I’d found a way to be part of the in-crowd, the rich, the cool kids…

I certainly found my way to a different crowd. But it was marked by isolation from everyone else.

We become islands in our addictions—visited only by others like us.

My perspective had to change. My friends had to change. My thoughts had to change. My actions had to change.

I needed to become poor in spirit to see things clearly again. I needed the despair of being lost to spur me back to the beam.

Now, I try and keep in right perspective one day at a time.

I don’t flog myself for where I’ve been, but I don’t hide it away so that it becomes a useless thing of the past.

Balance is rhythm. I hope I can navigate the rhythms of my day with the attractive sober ease that might be helpful for someone else to see.

God, guide my heart and fuel my mind.

SPONSOR

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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
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