The hell...
 

Oh and also, I will mention that I found out my church just started an Al-Anon program... I start tomorrow night. That is another blessing to be counted.

Just a comment, he has to want to do this for him!

For sure. I am honestly not too sure if he cares about himself enough to do that. I think he may have gone into recovery this time because he saw his family getting hurt. How can he learn to care about himself enough to go for himself?

I'll also add, he loves God very much - and he tries to live for God so much when he is sober. Even when he has fallen, God is his favorite topic... I can't figure out why he doesn't realize God wants him to love himself and be safe..... My mind continues to swirl...

For consideration: perhaps it is because God gave him a FREE WILL to decide what he wants or does not want to do. Regardless of how much he talks about God. God respects free will and He will protect it. If somebody chooses to drink or drug themselves to death, God will protect their right to do so.

Just as we must do for those who make such tragic choices..

My sponsor has often told me over the years that God gives everyone the right to commit suicide, whether it's quickly or slowly.

Today I understand that concept.

I used to put all kinds of conditions in my prayers. "God, please help my oldest daughter find recovery."

I don't do that anymore. Today I ask for His will to be done, not mine.

I can relate to this statement. I have dealt with a couple people like this while in recovery.
God is not going to do for him until he does for himself, that’s a hard lesson to learn. Us alcoholics are a sick sick breed. If I don’t stay sober, I can’t work on my relationship with the Lord. Fact of the matter is, when I’m drinking or doing drugs, they become my god.
All you can do is to speak the truth to your friend and pray that he is eventually ready to accept that truth. You have my prayers.

Thanks Tony. I definitely agree. Cigarettes and food, the computer, etc. etc. etc. once in my life, seemed to become my god. It is really sad because I believe we were created to worship God everyday, in everything we do... but that isn't being fulfilled in our lives so we try to find other things to fill that void. Unfortunately those things become what God was supposed to be. And sometimes it gives you an irrational perspective on life, and you end up in the place where my friend is.

Thanks for your prayers. :)

You hit it right on the head. I have often use this analogy to explain my addiction.
“I was born with a God shaped hole in me and no matter what I put in it, booze, drugs or whatever, nothing but God fit in that place.” We were created to be in continual fellowship with our creator and that also includes worship.
I’m grateful that the Lord loves me, because I’m a dirt bag without HIM.
Blessings,

>>I can't figure out why he doesn't realize God wants him to love himself and be safe..... My mind continues to swirl...>>

Maybe he does realize this, maybe it is another issue. Maybe not. Give yourself a rest and stop working to figure it out. You might be more content to leave it as speculation.

The poll attached to this thread, I am going to click it as yes as my legal AH went to a meeting yesterday and appeared to not have drank. He would view this "being in" so I will click yes.

What is a legal AH?

Tony, I love that phrase 'God-shaped hole'. That is definitely what I had and tried to fill with the wrong things for so long.

I think there are a lot of us that feel that way.

Word.

God-Shaped Hole - Lyrics
"Every point of view has another angle
And every angle has its merit
But it all comes down to faith
Thats the way I see it

You can say that love is not divine and
You can say that life is not eternal
"All we have is now"
But I don't believe it

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us
And the restless soul is searching
There's a God-shaped hole in all of us
And it's a void only he can fill

Does the world seem gray with empty longing
Wearing every shade of cynical
And do you ever feel that
There is something missing?

That's my point of view..."

Sorry, it is really not necessary for me to do that as it adds confusion. It means I am still legally married even though I will be divorcing my husband. So i can't say XAH and AH doesn't fit my heart anymore.

hey mehandle-- I have seen STBXH (soon to be ex husband) used on this forum!
sorry for the OT response powerwithin!

Haha, it's all good. It's always fun to discuss the confusion of abbreviations like STBSKFSH. :P

That guys stole my saying!! lol..
Think I picked it up in the halls actually.
Never knew it was a song....

Haha! It simply means you are awesome.