Ann

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go

Step Seven

Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
—Step Seven of Al-Anon

In the Sixth and Seventh Steps of the program, we become willing to let go of our defects of character - issues, behaviors, old feelings, unresolved grief, and beliefs that are blocking us from the joy that is ours. Then we ask God to take them from us.

Isn't that simple? We don't have to contort ourselves to make ourselves change. We don't have to force change. For once, we don't have to "do it ourselves." All we have to do is strive for an attitude of willingness and humility. All we have to do is ask God for what we want and need, and then trust God to do for us that which we cannot do and do not have to do for ourselves.

We do not have to watch with bated breath for how and when we shall change. This is not a self-help program. In this miraculous and effective program that has brought about recovery and change for millions, we become changed by working the Steps.

Today, God, help me surrender to recovery and to the process by which I become changed. Help me focus on the Step I need. Help me do my part, relax, and allow the rest to happen.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.

Ann

This has been key to my faith and my recovery. I have learned through recovery why this is a "we" program. Never once does it say that I have to do any of it alone. With the help of my friends in recovery and with the help of God, I have come a long way on this journey, for which I am grateful.

Melody Beattie once wrote that we can pray for whatever we want and God will sort out the junk. Today I pray any time I feel the need for guidance and then trust God to sort out the junk and light my path for days ahead.

Hugs