Hendershot. I don't understand your concern.
Miami has worked with the program and cannot get his head around the higher power. He has tried, for 8 years. Perhaps he should look for another. You, on the other hand are trying and willing to find a spiritual awakening. There is a big difference.
Maintaning the integrity of the program of AA or NA is not being prejudiced. If it is not working for someone, for whatever reason, but especially the spiritual, then, unless a person is willing to keep trying, it seems reasonable to suggest that person look elsewhere. We shouldn't change the program!
I believe Miami is benefitting from this discussion. It would do him a great disservice to keep trying to keep him in the 12 steps if he can't or won't believe in a higher power. Especially because for 8 years.... It is not working.
Mark