Meditations on ""

Anyone who has made an honest attempt at recovery knows the hard work that is required. What gives us encouragement and hope is that many who have diligently done the required work have succeeded.

To show discretion is to know the right thing to do in a situation and to behave in such a way that we don't cause offense. Quite the challenge.

God says we are precious in His sight. God, through Jesus, has provided a way for us to leave shame behind and live in honour and dignity, regardless of what has happened in our past.

Although we know that "half measures avail us nothing," it's also wonderful to have the promise that, "If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through." (Big Book, pg 83-84)

As we come out of the isolation of addiction and move into the life God created us to live it’s good to ask ourselves, “How am I being a friend?”

To live in recovery is to live as respectful people, honouring God and those God loves. How does my speech reflect this?

Are we a person with genuine compassion who seeks to help another?

Covering up traumatic events with painkillers does not make them go away.  In fact, as so many of us can testify, the memories, whether we are consciously aware of them or not, cause fear and shame to grow and become like mountains that block and confuse our thinking and affect our behaviour.  God invites us to bring the trauma we have suffered and its impact on us to Him for comfort and healing.

We need to discipline ourselves to rejoice in the encouragement that God’s word brings and embrace the unfailing love of God.

When sheep are under the care of the Good Shepherd they can lie down and know they are safe in His care.

Recovery is a process where, with God and trusted caring people, we begin to come alive …and start dealing with our darkest secrets.

God wants to help us know what is right and good. All we have to do is ask Him.