Daily Reflections..Comments Welcomed

[CarolD]

February 4


Daily Reflections


WHEN FAITH IS MISSING

Sometimes A.A. comes harder to those who have lost or
rejected faith than to those who never had any faith
at all, for they think they have faith and found it
wanting. They have tried the way of faith and the way
of no faith.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 28

I was so sure God had failed me that I became ultimately
defiant, though I knew better, and plunged into a final
drinking binge. My faith turned bitter and that was no
coincidence. Those who once had great faith hit bottom
harder. It took time to rekindle my faith, though I
came to A.A. I was grateful intellectually to have
survived such a great fall, but my heart felt callous.
Still, I stuck with the A.A. program; the alternatives
were too bleak! I kept coming back and gradually my
faith was resurrected.

[Sheryl85]

Originally Posted by CarolD

February 4



WHEN FAITH IS MISSING

Sometimes A.A. comes harder to those who have lost or
rejected faith than to those who never had any faith
at all, for they think they have faith and found it
wanting. They have tried the way of faith and the way
of no faith.

As my friend's brother said, "If you doubt your faith, at least you have some faith to doubt." Or in my case it meant that at least I didn't have to start at rock bottom. What little bit of faith I had left was enough to start an interaction with my Higher Power and it got the ball rolling. I've said it before and I'll say it again (because it is part of my story) I got religion and spirituality mixed up. That God of my religious childhood upbring was never within my reach nor within my understanding. He seemed too scary and unapproachable. But what I have today is a spiritual relationship with God (with my Father). The faith I have today is a faith that works. It comforts me and quiets my mind during times of agitation and my faith brings me closer to God and helps me to let go and let Him be the Director in circumstances beyond my control. The religious aspect of my life is separate. It is the form I choose to use as my outward expression of my inward devotion and respect...my time of worship for the gifts and blessings He has given me. I'm not sure if I am explaining this very well, but I hope that it has been of help to someone.

[REZ]

I had no faith before I came to AA. I didn't believe in anything except partying. So the whole higher power concept was new to me--and refreshing, exciting. It was not too hard for me to get some faith, having had none. I have known many people who had faith before coming to AA, lost it, and then had a hard time getting it back, even in AA.