Tolerance

[Fluttering]

TOLERANCE

“I have learned silence from the talkative,
toleration from the intolerant, and kindness
from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful
to those teachers.”

Khalil Gibran



Two of my biggest character defects are arrogance and fear. I used to have a hard time tolerating people who are not like me. When I was driven by fear, anger, and shame, I believed they threatened my social position. A normal day for me was filled with frustration and anger at people I didn’t like. Gossip was my language.

After I decided that I was truly powerless over my addiction and that my life had become really unmanageable, I surrendered. I started writing the suggested Step work and had a great awakening. In the 4th Step inventory, I came to the conclusion that I did not like “different people” because I was afraid to be like them. And what were they like? Just like me. I didn't like myself. That was one of the most revealing acknowledgements that were given to me. I have no reason to pick a fight anymore, nor discuss or judge any person. When I meet people I do not like, I know why.

One day at a time...
My greatest teachers are those who have shown me what I do not like or accept about myself. I understand that I would never have appreciated these lessons as precious gifts without the understanding, growth and tolerance within the 12 Step fellowship. Today I make a living amend by never judging or disliking any person. Every human being is a creature of God as I understand him, and who am I to judge?


~ Trine

[Fluttering]

FAITH

”Faith is not belief. Belief is passive.
Faith is active.”
Edith Hamilton

I always believed that God could relieve my suffering if He chose; however, I was overlooking the distinction of the required “partnership” between my choices and his strength. God is not a magician who, with artful finesse, will relieve me of the bondage of my free-will choices. He requires my attention -- and then my ACTION -- in order to work through and in my life.

One day at a time...
I am willing to test my faith by putting forth the required action(s) that will help me move toward my share of miracles that abound in this Program.
~ January K.

[jurneyman]

Fluttering, In your post on Tolerance, when you discovered your reason, that you didn't
like different people, and your 4'th step reveled that it was because you didn't want to be like them. Thank you because that brought back one my 4'th steps and the memory's of how I was always putting down, the rich urban yuppies or anyone else who was successful, with all their amenities of status, It was much more than my dislike of who and what they represented, It was never even wanting to be one of them. To get right to the point, It was because I Knew couldn't, and at some subconscious level, I wanted a better life, and knew I had the ability, but my disease was happy where we were.

[Fluttering]

Thank You jurney..Keep on journeying...I found with recovery I am extremely rich..and it isn't money..It is those qualities of recovery that are priceless

[Fluttering]

As Bill Sees it From the March 1962 Grapevine

When I am feeling depressed, I repeat to myself statements such as these: "Pain is the touchstone of progress"..."Fear no evil"... "This too shall pass"...."This experience can be turned to benefit"

These fragments of prayer bring far more that mere comfort. They keep me on track of right acceptance; they break up my compulsive themes of guilt, depression, rebellion, and pride, and sometimes they endow me with the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

[IO Storm]

I did not like “different people” because I was afraid to be like them. And what were they like? Just like me. I didn't like myself.

Yesss....

Have a real problem with a gal in the rooms...to my credit, a lot of folks

do..but I really do...sponsor of course said..."What is about

her that you don't like about yourself?"

Sherry's still stewing over it a bit..and it's been awhile..dang that girl

rubs me the wrooong way! *Lol*

Better get out the paper and pencil..and then hit the knees...

Thanks F