Family Matters

Thoughtfood for Saturday, August 23, 2008

Family Matters

From the Big Book:

"We were now at Step Three.  Many of us said to  our Maker, as we understood Him: 'God, I offer myself to Thee--to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.   Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.  Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy will always.'   We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly to Him."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, How It Works, p. 63.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may realize that life without a goal is futile.  I pray that I may find the good life worth striving for."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Aug 23.

Quote for the day:

"Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

__Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

My share:

Crushing the isolational barriers and re-building the burned bridges to loved ones we hurt while drinking is the first priority for most alcoholics.  It was for me.  I am happy to report that in all cases of familial amends, my efforts were greatly appreciated and well received.  The relief I afforded them gave me the strength I needed to seek out and make amends to others.  I found the Road of Happy Destiny laying before me, but it was the Third Step Prayer that prompted me to start trudging. Today I no longer trudge, I walk tall and secure and always extend my hand to anyone reaching out for help. Be Good To You, Dave