We admitted we
were powerless over alcohol.
It was explained to me (and this is just one person's es&h)...
That we were, past tense, the step is written in past tense...
We were powerless...
Without power was described to me as without God who is the source of all power...(not about control).
Lack of power, that
was our dilemma. Past tense again.
Once we have the power, we are not power-less. Can't have it both ways, have the power, and be powerless.
This works for me.
May not work for others, and that's okay.
I believe alcohol had me turn away from God which is the source of all power, and that I was without God, or powerless when it came to alcohol. When I hit bottom, and go through the process which turns me back to God, the power is restored, and I am no longer without power, or powerless.
I have power (God) against the drink. I have tools of the AA program.
I am not powerless over alcohol, I was powerless over alcohol, I have recovered from a state of powerlessness.
This is just the way I see it.
Hope that is somewhat helpful as to another point of view.
Right or wrong...don't know for sure, but works for me.
