Chevra
So here we are - way out in the Vast Ocean of Recovery.
Far away from the Old World of "It's all about ME."
And yet, quite a distance to go before we reach "It's all about HIM."
The Sea seems calm now, but we know that there are some rough waters ahead of us. There is a cool and salty mist in the air. It stings the eyes, but we seem to be getting use to it. And it even seems like we're getting our "sea legs" and it's not as difficult to keep our balance.
Today we launched into Chapter 5 - How It Works - which includes the list of the 12 Steps. I kind of felt like we were reading Parasha Yisro, Chapter 19, Verse 20. And just like the 10 Commandments, we too are focusing on learning the Steps how to come closer to G-d and how to come closer to our fellow man. (Did you notice that 6 of the 12 Steps address our relationship with our Higher Power and 6 of them address our relationship with others!!)
So what's standing in our way of our Success and Recovery?
What makes this Prescription so difficult to swallow - now that the Doctor has issued his Orders to us?
Can we really expect ourselves to accomplish this A to Z Formula for Transformation?
Chevra - please take a look at the Aleph Beis - the Hebrew Alphabet to see the answer to these questions.
What is the first letter of the Aleph Beis? - Aleph
What is the middle letter? - Mem
And what is the last letter? - Tes
How amazing is that? That Hashem has formulated the Aleph Beis of His Loshon Kodush to represent HIMSELF - around the attribute of EMES.
Why do you think the authors of the Big Book inserted not once, not twice, but three times in the first paragraph of this critical chapter - the word - HONESTY?!
Because, let's be clear about this fact - For an addict, Honesty in almost impossible! An addict is the epitome of dishonesty, deception, manipulation, cheating, lying, rationalizing, misrepresentation and more.
Yet, the Big Book tells us that for success in this Program you have to be something you have been running away from your entire life - and that's to be honest. Yes, honest with your loved ones. Honest with your friends. Honest with Ribono Shel Olam. And the most difficult demand of all - to be Honest with YOURSELF.
So please remember, Half measures availed us nothing.
Here's your chance Chevra to really learn to let go and to allow yourself to explore the real unknown, the unchartered waters of your life. Did you notice how resistant we are? Did you notice how many shipmates wanted to have all the answers to proceed? How can I possible be expected to trust and let go without all the answers NOW? Well guess what, I don't have the answers. Nobody has the answers. Why? Because your life's script has yet to be written!! Isn't this exciting? Embrace this truth and forge ahead, brave sailor!!
Is there any hope for us? Absolutely, as the Big Book tells us "Without help, it is too much for us. But there is One who has all Power - that One is God. May you find him now!" Amen
And please join us back on Board tomorrow as we delve into the deeper waters of the Steps themselves.
Looking FORWARD
Duvid Chaim
