Daily Reprieve - March
 

March 1

SAFE AND SECURE

“Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85

"Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn." Psalm 5: 8

For what it's worth: My whole being was filled with fears and doubts that I could not admit, some even to myself. Alcohol made them all go away for a little while, but eventually lost its magic and added to the agony. Relief came only after years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. That Program and a Higher Power rid me of the fears and doubts, and grew a confidence from personal experiences that I was safe and secure. Every time I sought God’s help, He came through, often in creative ways I could never have imagined. Now, any time life threatens me and I am doubtful our down right “chicken”, I go to my Heavenly Father and He will hold me close and remind me that all will be well. No matter what happens, He will show me the next step and even carry me through it, if need be.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 2

A GIFT OF LOVE

"I have a conscious daily contact with my Creator today, and He loves me." Alcoholics Anonymous 469, (Fourth Edition)

"...The love of God has been poured out within our hearts..." Romans 5:5

For what it's worth: Alcoholism destroyed my relationships and left me with a deep fear that I was unable to love and to be loved. Had it not been for Alcoholics Anonymous, I would have died in despair with that feeling. Instead, I have been given a most precious gift, a sober life full of love. I am no longer worthless and inadequate. I can love and I am loved, not only by people, but by God, my Heavenly Father. My sober years in Alcoholics Anonymous, living the Twelve Steps, resulted in a spiritual awakening that is a daily closeness with my Heavenly Father. During the day I am filled with gratitude, knowing I love Him and He loves me. Usually, I can actually feel His love. On a spiritually dry day, when I do not feel His love, He always finds a way to let me know He loves me just as much. Even more important for me, when I mess up a day, He lets me know He loves me anyway, maybe even a little more because of my weakness that day.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 3

MATCHING CALAMITY WITH SERENITY

"Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine." Job 22:21 (The Message)

"Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely upon Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity" Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

For what it's worth: Alcoholism made calamity a daily event. When I finally realized my drinking was on course for more and more suffering, I felt helpless with no hope. I became suicidal. Afraid of living and dying, I finally approached Alcoholics Anonymous, expecting only more failure. Instead, my despair disappeared almost immediately, and my fear of God began to fade. At AA meetings, I heard hundreds of examples of serenity matching calamity. Was the same possible for me? The answer came as I practiced the Twelve Steps. I came to terms with God, something I had feared for years. Where there had been no faith, I learned to trust Alcoholics Anonymous and God. Finally, I surrendered to God. And, why not? Every time I fought him before, I lost. Today, I can report untold number of instances during my sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous when I humbly turned to my Heavenly Father, and everything did "turn out just fine". When I did not, everything turned out a mess.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 4

EXPECT JOY

"We absolutely insist on enjoying life." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 132

"Please, Lord, please give us success." Psalm 118: 25

For what it's worth: Dread and despair were the start of every day of the last years of my drinking. Death would have been welcome, but would not come. I cursed God each new day I had to exist. Yet, He was patient and forgiving, ready to accept me and love me just as I was when I finally came through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. Only the grace of God kept me sober long enough to begin enjoying life. It has been a long journey, up and down mountains, even in and out of caves. Along the way it seemed to me that God granted success in direct proportion to surrender and joy in direct proportion to giving. My days now begin with gratitude and hope. I expect a joyful day because I plan to surrender my will to God's and give back as much as I can during the day. Still being weak at this, of course, I have to ask my Heavenly Father for help.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 5

GIVE THANKS

"I want to keep this life of peace, serenity, and tranquility that I have found." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 199 (Fourth Edition)

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1

For what it's worth: Proclaiming God’s injustice was my style. And the idea of a serene and tranquil life was ridiculous. Deep in the despair of my alcoholism, there was no hope I would ever be sober, secure, or saved. Yet, it happened. God allowed me to become fearful and miserable enough to swallow my pride and ask for help. And the power of Alcoholics Anonymous offered me a sober and peaceful life. Even more significantly, Alcoholics Anonymous introduced me to a God, my Heavenly Father, who offers me spiritual security for my daily reprieve, and a shot at salvation. When I think about how undeserving I am and how merciful and loving is my Heavenly Father for giving me this gift, gratitude fills my heart and, at times, tears fill my eyes.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 6

FAULT-FINDING

“Argument and fault-finding are to be avoided like the plague.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 98

“Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from fault’?” Proverbs 20:9

For what it's worth: Where does a sick and insane drunk like me get off finding fault with anyone? Yet, I was quick and good at it. To deal with this defect of character I needed lengthy sobriety, intense work with the Twelve Steps, and God's grace. There has been no perfection, but much progress, thanks largely to God opening my heart to feel the pain fault-finding inflicts on me and others. Now, when I am critical I am reminded I have a long way to go and I have something I can do to get there, practice the principles in the Prayer of St. Francis with everyone God places in my life today.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 7

"Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:13 (The Message)

"We all need the light of God's reality, the nourishment of His strength, and the atmosphere of His grace." Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 98

For what it's worth: Alcoholism forced me to believe God's strength and grace had been denied me. Only after years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous was my mind opened to "God's reality", and I saw how His love had rescued me all during my drinking days despite my arrogance and resistance. Today, I know what I am, namely, a worthless drunk. Anything beyond this is God's work. Witnessing what he has built with this mess, I trust His love. No matter what happens today, He and I will continue this sober journey together in "the atmosphere of His grace".

God bless you.
Joe W.

These are good my friend, I generally run out of time when it comes to the other readings.

I found myself sharing with a taxi driver the other day. Not sure how we got there, but felt that it was meant to be. I told him that I had sponsored two gay guys, I said being gay had nothing to do with their alcoholism. I ended up co-sponsoring until they found someone who they could talk their gay issues with. They had to get clean and sober, to find who they were and do Steps 4-9, with someone who had an understanding.

I sponsored another young guy who lived in Quebec. He said, "I don't care if people look at me funny because I have Jo as my sponsor, I want what she has." So many people can be judgmental. At my advise, he found a male sponsor when he was 3 months sober.

This is a loving, forgiving, and caring program. Don't care if a guy wears a white, blue or pink shirt, his shirt doesn't keep him clean and sober and didn't make him use. Even though I don't like pink shirts on any man, that doesn't stop me from reaching out to another sick and suffering alcoholic/addict.

They had the same disease that I had. All I could do was share my experience, strength and hope. All we have is that daily reprieve, no matter what our colour, creed, beliefs, etc. are. It is all one day at a time, no matter what age or where there journey has taken them.

March 8

HOPE’S HEROES

“If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55:4

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

For what it’s worth: There were no heroes, no inspiration, no encouragement in my alcoholic life. Blessedly, there was drastic change once I found Alcoholics Anonymous. Never have I met so many once rejects, now cornerstones. Meaningless drunks are now God’s instruments of hope and peace. I am always impressed and inspired by such a group of people as are my heroes in Alcoholics Anonymous. More than this, I trust them with my life.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 9

HIS LOVING CARE

"We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59

"O Lord, I have come to you for protection. Bend down and listen to me; rescue me quickly." Psalm 31: 1&2

For what it’s worth: Praying became foreign to me during my alcoholic drinking. I was not about to ask God for anything. I was afraid of Him. I had betrayed Him too often. I did not realize, however, how agonizing alcoholism would become. Finally, there was no one else to go to for relief. God did not require I beg and plead with Him, I merely acknowledged my need for Him, and He rescued me from the disease and despair of alcoholism. Since then, God has repeatedly proven His loving care. Therefore, when hard times arrive, I need not waste time figuring out how I am going to deal with reality, or in any way doubt God; I just take it to my Heavenly Father and He lets me know what I am to do; and, He does the rest. He even gives me strength to do my part.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 10

WITH THE LORD ABOARD

"They saw Jesus walking on the water, and coming towards the boat, and they were terrified... But He spoke to them, 'Don't be afraid: it is I myself." So they gladly took him aboard, and at once the boat reached the shore they were making for. John 6:20-21

"I'm afraid to go out the door." Alcoholics Anonymous, page157

For what it's worth: Many forms of fear ruled every day of my drinking. I would not acknowledge them until sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Even then I was afraid of opening the door to the Fourth Step. After a number of attempts my sponsor told me to back off to the Third Step. Once I finally trusted my Higher Power was aboard with me, we were ready to work the Fourth Step, and, immediately thereafter, the Fifth Step. From then on, with the Lord in command, we are headed for the sober shore of peace and happiness. When storms erupt, we are swamped by heavy waves and forced off course - if I try to take charge.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 11

SOOTHING THE SOUL

"Clear away the wreckage of your past." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164

"If the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he will surely rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away!" Matthew 18: 13

For what it’s worth: Some stubborn stains remain on my soul even though I have done my best to clear away the garbage. When I am in the darkness of clinical depression, or struggling through a dry spiritual desert, ghosts of my past can come out to haunt me. It is at those times healing thoughts such as the parable of the prodigal son and the shepherd finding the lost sheep soothe my soul. I am deeply grateful to have the words and stories of the Big Book and the Bible at my fingertips and in my heart.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 12

GRATITUDE AND TRUST

“But there is One who has all power--that One is God. May you find Him now!” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59

“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:31

For what it’s worth: My pathetic alcoholic life proved God was against me. With that fear, alcohol had to crush me into scrap before I would look up to God. Even early in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was uncomfortable with statements like “May you find Him now”. I did not want to find God. I was afraid He would curse me as I had Him. Despite my cowardice, experience after experience in Alcoholics Anonymous screamed at me God was not condemning me, He was rescuing me from the hell of alcoholism; He was helping me stay sober; He was putting people in my life who understood me; He was granting me a place where I felt I belonged. I was no longer alone. Hope grew, peace prevailed, and joy entered my life. I no longer felt unloved. I had found a Higher Power with all power, and I was coming to understand that this new God of mine would always be for me, never against me. He certainly has proven it…repeatedly. I will be gratefuL and trust my Heavenly Father today.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 13

DEPEND ON IT

"We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

"When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor." James 4: 10

For what it’s worth: My goal was total independence. I had grown to mistrust everyone and everything, so why would I wish to be dependent upon anyone or anything? Obviously, it did not work. I became dependent upon alcohol, and the addiction killed all my goals, reducing me to a worthless slave with no purpose or direction beyond the next drink. Alcoholism robbed my soul of all spiritual values and left it empty. It took the torment of an abandoned spiritual being to drive me to seek help in Alcoholics Anonymous. After years of living by the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have experienced dependency upon a Higher Power, and it is divine. Here is a once worthless, empty soul, now filled with gratitude and joy, living with the goal of becoming more dependent each day on the loving care of God. I trust my Heavenly Father’s love. I can depend on it!

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 14

DAILY BREAD

"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all,
we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t
take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and
clothing, let us be content." 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (New Living Translation)

"But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to others." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

For what it's worth: Protecting my supply of alcohol was vital, so running low always produced dread. When I stopped drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous, I found other things to worry about. This was a form of "stinkin' thinkin'" for me, dangerous to my sobriety and "usefulness to others". To be rid of anxiety would, indeed, be "great wealth". But how? Alcoholics Anonymous members taught me the answer was in the Lord's prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread." They emphasized "daily bread", admonishing me not to ask for the whole bakery. Daily praying the Lord's prayer, focusing on what I am saying, has gradually built trust and peace. Interestingly, as this happens, I have noticed God is better able to use me to help others.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 15

JUDGMENT

"Let the one among you who has never sinned throw the first stone." John 8:7

"Who are you to judge?" 12&12 p.173

For what it's worth: My alcoholic insanity told me I was the judge. This defect was difficult to fight even with hard Twelve Step work. Daily practice of the Tenth Step definitely helped, but I had to take this to my Heavenly Father. Although I do not always practice it, He taught me to ask myself: "Who am I to judge?" When I "let go and let God" control my thoughts, instead of judging another, I come up with something that I have done worse.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 16

NO MATTER WHAT

"He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him." 1 Chronicles 5:20

"They trust their God." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

For what it's worth: The shame of being a depraved drunk caused me to fear God. Despite this, if I were to be sober and avoid hell's fire, the people in Alcoholics Anonymous made it clear I would need a close relationship with Him. This demanded trust. But, how was I to trust the God I feared? The answer came when I was advised to ask God to teach me. This was not easy. First, without alcohol’s anesthesia, I had to suffer severe depression and despair resulting from fear, shame, and pride. God used this pain to make me humble enough to ask for His help. Immediately, with personal experience, He began filling my once empty soul with trust in His love. Today, I know I am in His loving arms...no matter what.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 17

HIS WAY FOR MY DAY

"We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us." Alcoholics Anonymous, page164

"He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them His way." Psalm 25:9

For what it’s worth: Before recovery, I tried to live deep in hell to stay away from God. Now, after years of sobriety, living the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I actually seek to be closer to God and live by His design for each day. I may not do it well, but, at least, I am trying. There are times when I have no idea what His will is for my life. Then I try to remember what Alcoholics Anonymous has taught me, humbly ask God to show me His next step for me and grant me the strength to take it. Often I do not see the whole path, but, one step at a time, He reveals more of His way for my day.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 18

REACH THE UNREACHABLE

"Afterward, we found our selves accepting many things which then seemed entirely out of reach." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 47

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it ... grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches." Matthew 13: 31-32

For what it’s worth: Alcoholics Anonymous was the last place I sought help. It was beneath me, and I was convinced it would not work for me, especially once I heard God was involved. He hated me and I was afraid of Him. I had insulted Him too often. He would guarantee my failure in Alcoholics Anonymous as in life. However, at my first meeting I sensed I belonged - a feeling so needed and welcome it kept me coming back until I found myself “accepting many things which seemed entirely out of reach”. Ever so slowly, I believed I could recover; I could be forgiven; and, my “mustard seed” grew into a tree where I reached the unreachable – trusting that God really loves me just as I am.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 19

HIS GUARANTEE

"Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!" Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181

"The one thing I know - God is for me!" Psalm: 56:9

For what it’s worth: Surely, God was not for me. My miserable alcoholic existence proved it. Many years in Alcoholics Anonymous, sober one-day-at-a-time, attending hundreds of meetings, were necessary for me to trust my Higher Power was not against me. This may be the most significant change deep in my soul. It keeps me trudging when I want to give up. It holds me intact when I feel like I am falling apart. It warms my soul when empty and cold. It is a precious gift from God. I know He is for me, and will never let me down. This is a guarantee from my Heavenly Father Who will never break His promises.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 20

TOUCHED BY LOVE
"For me, AA is a synthesis of all the philosophy I've ever read,
all of the positive, good philosophy, all of it based on love." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 542 (Third Edition)

"Love each other." John 13: 34

For what it's worth: Perhaps the absence of love was the deepest hole in my soul. Worse yet, I never believed it would be filled. Drink blotted out that despair only momentarily, but it sealed the void, and I nearly died, not just alone, but without love. I did not realize it for years, but alcohol had to go for me to find love and be able to love. Nothing could have done that for me other than Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a Program of love I believe inspired by Love. Before recovery, I was incapable of giving and receiving love. Now, not only am I able to love, I am loved. How many ways and how often I have experienced love I cannot count. How many times have I gone to an AA meeting in need and been touched deeply with love? How many times have I cried out to my Heavenly Father and been held in His loving arms? And, although I lost a family to alcoholism, how about the family I have been given in recovery? How about all the close friends we develop in recovery through sponsorship and sharing with one another in the language of the heart? There is no hole in my soul now. It overflows with love.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 21

DO FOR HIM

“So the difference between "the boys and the men" is the difference between striving for a self-determined objective and for the perfect objective which is of God.” 12&12 p.68

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” Colossians 3:23

For what it's worth: For years self-satisfaction was my nature and the constant demand of my alcoholism. Therefore, change required much more than sobriety. Years of radical transformation were necessary. And I believe that could have been realized only in Alcoholics Anonymous under the direction of a merciful Higher Power. Now, after years of living the Twelve Steps and with the grace of God, every now and then I can actually disregard “self-determined” wishes and seek God’s will. I know I can never do for Him what He has done for me, but my Heavenly Father lets me know how much He appreciates even the simple, little things I do for Him. He is so generous!

God bless you!

Joe W.

March 22

A GLORIOUS BLESSING

“When we drew near to Him He disclosed Himself to us!” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 57

"I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me..." Psalm 119:176

For what it’s worth: I did not wander, I ran hard and long to be as far away from God as possible. I feared Him. When the distance became intolerable and frightening, and I became suicidal, I sought help. But, even years into recovery, I continued feeling distant from God. Sobriety finally allowed an awareness to seep into my soul, and I realized the “Hound of Heaven” had pursued me the whole time I was running from Him. He must love me, and I need not fear to seek Him. The nearer I draw the clearer I see my Heavenly Father carried me back to Him through Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Steps and the people of Alcoholics Anonymous teach me how to grow closer to Him.

What a glorious blessing Alcoholics Anonymous is to a drunk and lost sheep like me!

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 23

TOOLS OF RENEWAL
“As the day goes on, we can pause where situations must be met and decisions made, and renew the simple request: ‘Thy will, not mine, be done.’” 12&12 p.103

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:15-17

For what it's worth: Despair became solitary confinement within the prison of my alcoholism. So, the hope I felt at my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous was significant – it meant freedom to me. Moreover, it kept me coming back long enough to receive other blessings. One that I desperately need and that has been vital to me in my recovery is what I call renewal. You see, I can make grand plans for change, but fail so often. Also, if the climb in life gets too steep, I tend to stop. And, if I fall and bleed, I want to sit on the ground and cry. So, I need renewal at those weak times. And I have found it. First of all, our one-day-at-a-time philosophy breaks it down for me into manageable measures, and I can start my day over when I need. In addition to that, I have my daily Third Step prayer that I can repeat as often as necessary throughout the day. I also have my Eleventh Step that instructs me to take it easy, pause, and ask God for the next right step. There are so many tools of renewal. I call on as many as I can find. My religious background offers one that is powerfully inspiring when I stop to think about the Passion and Death of Christ. First of all I know I will never be asked to suffer like that. Moreover, I see that after a short period of darkness, tremendous hope is renewed – there is a Resurrection.
God bless you!
Joe W.

March 24

GO CONFIDENTLY

“Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85

“I can do all things in Him that strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

For what it’s worth: Shame about my past, fear of today, and anxiety about tomorrow dominated each day of my miserable, alcoholic existence. Years were wasted. Now, thanks to sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and the grace of God, I go confidently into each new day. The self-disgust and dread are gone. I am never alone, having asked my Heavenly Father to be with me. Experience in sobriety has proven to me every time I ask His help, He is there for me. When I let go and let Him, I can enjoy watching Him work. He can be unbelievably astonishing and creative.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 25

“ON THE BROAD HIGHWAY”

“If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment…” Romans 14:1

For what it's worth: God, as I understood Him when I finally arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, was One to be feared, not only because of His power, but because of His wrath and harsh punishment. So, I strongly resisted the idea of drawing closer to Him. The people in AA did not judge me, just welcomed me. And, with sober time, their genuine sharing and the chapter in the Big Book, “We Agnostics” “swept away prejudice” and caused me to “search diligently” for a relationship with a Higher Power. I am forever grateful. Preachers and teachers could not reach me. But a bunch of tricky drunks certainly did. I believe I will always be touched deeply when someone shares with me about their struggles, like mine, with “religion” and “the God stuff”. It is that sharing that broke the chains of prejudice and fear, and freed me to join you on the Broad Highway

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 26

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

"If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 76

"...You have freed me from my bonds." Psalm 116:16

For what it’s worth: Putting down the drink was barely the beginning of recovery, but, at least, abstinence allowed a view of how far I had to climb and what the obstacles were for me to escape the alcoholic abyss. I was still bound to self with deeply ingrained defense mechanisms, old ideas, unknown fears, and hateful resentments. Undeservedly, God’s loving mercy offered me a way up - if I was willing to not drink and climb hard. But was I? God knew I needed Him just to be willing so He directed me to Alcoholics Anonymous for support. He and Alcoholics Anonymous saved me from falling back into the abyss, and today I am on a proven path to freedom, ascending Twelve Steps step by step on my spiritual journey. When the incline seems too steep and I weaken, I ask my Heavenly Father for a lift. Although I do not always feel it right away, He always picks me up and carries me while He grants me the willingness and strength to persevere one day at a time.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 27

STILL MORE

“Our answer is in still more spiritual development.” 12&12 p.114

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

For what it's worth: Although there were no accomplishments during my drinking years, I remember some from my earlier life. I recall stopping and enjoying them for awhile afterwards. I have not found that true in Alcoholics Anonymous. After I finish something, these tricky drunks always have something else for me to do. Just one example is when I complete one Step, my sponsor always starts me immediately on the next one. Moreover, the Higher Power I found in Alcoholics Anonymous does the same. As soon as I make progress in one spiritual area, He reminds me how far I still have to go. So often, when I start feeling progress in my serenity level during serious challenges, a trivial, even common commotion of life comes along and I blow it big-time. When I take this to my Heavenly Father, somehow or another, usually at AA meetings or during my prayer and meditation, He whispers to me I need “still more spiritual development.” There are times when He yells it.

God bless you!

Joe W.

March 28

A SOLID FOUNDATION

“Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83

“I will give you a new heart...and I will put a new spirit in you.” Ezekiel 36:26

For what it's worth: Alcoholism left nothing of me to reconstruct. The pitiful bag of garbage I was the day I walked into Alcoholics Anonymous must have been just what the people and the God there were looking for because they started work on me immediately. They progressively built a new and solid foundation with Twelve Steps that has held up over time. I know because it has been tested vigorously during my sober years. Construction continuous and I trust the foundation will remain solid no matter how severe the winds and storms.

God bless you!
Joe W.

March 29

FROM WHAT I WAS

"People like you are too heartbreaking." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 43

"If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them." Psalm 40: 5

For what it’s worth: The worthless mess I became under the rule of alcoholism was “heartbreaking.” I take no credit for ending up in Alcoholics Anonymous instead of dead in the gutters of Baltimore. The circumstances guiding me to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous were God’s anonymous work. He knew His people in Alcoholics Anonymous would teach me to live the Twelve Steps, drawing me to Him, delivering me from despair to hope, from shame to joy, from the gates of hell to a little taste of heaven. It is all God’s “wonderful deeds”, not stopping there, but continuing daily. Indeed, when I take time to make one, my gratitude list never comes to an end of all my Heavenly Father’s joyful blessings.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 30

FROM MISERY to MERCY

“It is clear that we made our own misery. God didn't do it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133

“Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy.” Psalm 28:6

For what it’s worth: My false conviction that God was responsible for my alcoholic agony not only kept me drunk for years, it was the most difficult obstacle I had to overcome in recovery. Accepting responsibility for my plight and developing courage to change were gigantic miracles in my life. Without them, I could have died a miserable drunk, probably in the gutters of Baltimore with the cockroaches crawling all over my stinking body. Instead, here I am enjoying sobriety and life. One thing is certain: it was not by the grace of Joe, it was the Grace of God. My Heavenly Father carried me from misery to mercy.

God bless you.
Joe W.

March 31

A DAILY REPRIEVE
“…The A. A. way of life is a blessing and a privilege beyond estimate.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 451
“They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have right standing with God their savior.” Psalm 24:5
For what its worth: My slavery to alcohol allowed no blessings, only curses - no privileges, only punishment. I nearly died, beaten to death by the slave master, alcoholism. Instead, thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous and a Higher Power, the chains are broken for today, and I am free to live a sober and joyful life. Even more wondrous, I may be used to help free some other slave. So, today, instead of dying a worthless drunk, I am living a blessed life as a messenger of the Good Lord. And, all I have to do is maintain my spiritual condition - not only a gift from my Heavenly Father, but He helps me with it each day. So, this morning, with His help, I am off to a good start on my daily reprieve.
God bless you!
Joe W.

Thank you JO for you share on March 7th, we never met personally but I've been a part of this daily recovery readings for a long time and I remember reading your pass post. I think God that we share the same zeal and determination and ability to help other people no matter who they are. Love is the key, Jesus said a new commandment I give unto you love one another as I love you. God bless you.