Step by Step
Sunday, June 16, 2024
” …’Faith without works is dead.’ …We have made a list of all persons we have harmed and to whom we are willing to make amends. We made it when we took inventory. We subjected ourselves to a drastic self-appraisal. Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the past. We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show. If we haven’t the will to do this, we ask until it comes. Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 6 (“Into Action”), p 76.
Today, to what lengths will I go for “victory over alcohol” and reconcile myself to the injuries I inflicted on others during my drinking days? The Eighth and Ninth Steps suggest we surrender with absolute humility by asking our Higher Power to do His will, not ours, and face and apologize to the victims of the damage we inflicted. That we might not be able to make amends to someone does not give us an easy out. We must continue to ask for the will to do so “until it comes.” In making amends, we may be accomplishing more than taking responsibility for the damage we caused. We finally can be done with the guilt, shame and regret we have carried and reconcile ourselves to healing the sickness of our spirit. And in doing so, we can start to heal. How far will I go for “victory over alcohol?” Today, any length. And our common journey continues. Step by step. — Chris M., 2024
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