Be Attitude 7

 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. ~ Matthew 8:8

When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at out feet. We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed. The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences* which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God’s universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which  we could never do by ourselves. ~World Service, Alcoholics Anonymous; Wilson, Bill; Smith, Bob. The Big Book and A Study Guide of the 12 Steps . Anonymous Publishing. Kindle Edition.Page 25.

The transformation is amazing,
whether stated with utmost simplicity, as
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God,”
or with the exuberance
of a newly found truth,
The great fact is just this, and nothing less:
That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences*
which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life,
toward our fellows and toward God’s universe.
The central fact of our lives today
is the absolute certainty that our Creator
has entered into our hearts and lives
in a way which is indeed miraculous.
He has commenced to accomplish those things
for us which  we could never do by ourselves.
Surely, “Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God!”

Be Attitude 6

 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ~ Matthew 8:8, The Lockman Foundation. New American Standard Bible – NASB 1995 (Without Translators’ Notes) . The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition.

The question of how to approach the man we hated will arise. It may be he has done us more harm than we have done him and, though we may have acquired a better attitude toward him, we are still not too keen about admitting our faults. Nevertheless, with a person we dislike, we take the bit in our teeth. It is harder to go to an enemy than to a friend, but we find it much more beneficial to us. We go to him in a helpful and forgiving spirit, confessing our former ill feeling and expressing our regret. Under no condition do we criticize such a person or argue. Simply we tell him that we will never get over drinking until we have done our utmost to straighten out the past. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition. A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Mercy is benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness
in a variety of ethical, religious, social, and legal contexts.
In the social and legal context,
mercy may refer both to compassionate behavior
on the part of those in power,
or on the part of a humanitarian third party.
Mercy is treating others as you would want
others treating you. Mercy is love, identifying
with the other person, wanting for them
what you would want for yourself.
Blessed are the merciful, for they receive mercy!

Please Excuse Life's Getting In the Way!

Blessed be Thou, O my God, because though I be unworthy of all Thy benefits, Thy bountiful and infinite goodness never ceaseth to do good even to ingrates and to those who are turned far from Thee. Turn Thou us unto Thyself, that we may be grateful, humble, and godly, for Thou art our salvation, our courage, and our strength. ~ Kempis, Thomas à. The Imitation of Christ (Illustrated) (p. 100). LiberWriter.com. Kindle Edition.

Blessed be Thou, O my God,
because though I am unworthy
of all Your benefits,
Your bountiful and infinite goodness never ceases
to do good even to ingrates and to me
who turned far from You.
Turn me unto You,
that I may be grateful, humble, and godly,
for You are my salvation, my courage, and my strength.
And with Your guidance I will let You lead this dance
in the day to come and seek You and Your guidance
with every thought and action I entertain in this new day!

 

Be Attitude 5

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ~ Matthew 8:6, NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

We have shown how we got out from under. You say, “Yes, I’m willing. But am I to be consigned to a life where I shall be stupid, boring and glum, like some righteous people I see? I know I must get along without liquor, but how can I? Have you a sufficient substitute?” ~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition. A.A. World Services, Inc. Kindle Edition.

Hungering and thirsting
tended to be life-threatening
for those of us in Recovery!
Hungering was my downfall
while the thirsting got the all rolling!
For plenty of us we are easily serially obsessed
with self-destruction in a variety of ways!
Hungering and thirsting for righteousness
didn’t make the list, though!
But when we traded in the other compulsions
for hungering and thirsting for righteousness,
the inadequate substitutes lost their appeal
and all our interstices held exactly what we needed!

Be Attitude 4

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ~ Matthew 8:6 NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

At this point, it might be well to explain alcoholism, the illness. Say that you believe he is a gravely ill person, with this qualification—being perhaps fatally ill, does he want to get well? You ask, because many alcoholics, being warped and drugged, do not want to quit. But does he? Will he take every necessary step, submit to anything to get well, to stop drinking forever?~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Who are the meek?
The quiet, the gentle?
those easily imposed on…?
the submissive?
Those ready to conform
to the authority or will of others?
meekly obedient or passive?
almost sheeplike people?
Perhaps the best answer
is that the meek are people
who admit they are powerless over life,
who come to believe that a Power
greater than they can restore their sanity
and who choose that route!
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. 

Be Attitude 3

 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ~ Mark 8:5, NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Most people try to live by self-propulsion. Each person is like an actor who wants to run the whole show; is forever trying to arrange the lights, the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way. If his arrangements would only stay put, if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great. Everybody, including himself, would be pleased. Life would be wonderful. In trying to make these arrangements our actor may sometimes be quite virtuous. He may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest. But, as with most humans, he is more likely to have varied traits. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition. A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

We recovering people don’t often present to the world
a meek self…at least not at first. We are not patient,
long-suffering, resigned, peaceful docile, demure or mild…
or any other synonym of meek… at least when we get to the Rooms.
Sometimes…often…as old-timers we are. But we usually come in
rebellious. Those of us who find a home here become meek
as we inherit the earth, as we turn our will and our life
over to the care of One Who Can transform us.
Thank God the meek are blessed and inherit the earth!

Be Attitude 2

 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~ Matthew 5:2 NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Thus started one more journey to the asylum for Jim. Here was the threat of commitment, the loss of family and position, to say nothing of that intense mental and physical suffering which drinking always caused him. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

It’s more than possible
as we in Recovery know
to mourn for our own lives,
as do our loved ones know.
But we also know a life to be mourned
can be reclaimed by knowing
we cannot control our obsessions,
coming to believe God can,
and by giving up trying,
letting God do it, and learning it works!
Blessed are those who mourn
because, if allowed,
God will take control
and comfort and joy will reign!
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Are you willing to be comforted?

Be Attitude 1

 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:3 The Lockman Foundation. New American Standard Bible – NASB 1995, The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition

You are going to meet these new friends in your own community. Near you, alcoholics are dying helplessly like people in a sinking ship. If you live in a large place, there are hundreds. High and low, rich and poor, these are future fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous. Among them you will make lifelong friends. You will be bound to them with new and wonderful ties, for you will escape disaster together and you will commence shoulder to shoulder your common journey. Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life. You will learn the full meaning of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” ~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

The poor in spirit, alcoholics dying helplessly
like people in a sinking ship.
High and low, rich and poor,
future fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous,
you will make lifelong friends.
Certainly poor in spirit,
These fellow sufferers with you
will live the truth,
“Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

The Overcoming of Suffering

 

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. ~ Helen Keller

When you can do nothing more
to improve a situation,
Let go and let God.
We in Texas have added SNOVID 2021
to the suffering of COVID 19’s rampage.
We can wallow in the suffering but
that furthers the misery and denies us peace.
What’s the solution?
When you can do nothing more
to improve a situation,
Let go and let God.

No Need to People-Please

 

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  ~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

That the man who is making the approach has had the same difficulty, that he obviously knows what he is talking about, that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured – these are the conditions we have found most effective. (Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 18-19)

No people to please – how liberating!
I’ve tried all my life to please people,
to follow the rules,
to go with the flow,
to not make waves,
to blend in.
I’ve tried all my life to disappear,
to not be seen
at least not in a bad light,
a way that would reflect badly
on my parents,
my school,
my town,
my profession,
the church
I’ve now no people to please!
What you think of me
is none of my business!

What God thinks of me —
that’s my business.
But when I’m showing up,
asking him to tell me what to do
and doing it,
I’m free!
Free at last, free at last,
thanks, God, I’m free at last.

God Doesn't Need Interpreters

 

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ Galatians 1:12 (KJV)

With few exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves. (Alcoholics Anonymous, Spiritual Experience appendix)

All around me,
voices knowing better,
people more experienced,
others who’ve walked
this path before,
and they may be messengers,
sometimes,
a mouthpiece for God,
but I know if I miss the point
in a group, or studying alone, hope’s there,
help’s there,
guides may lead me
step by step
toward the right direction.
Sometimes God speaks through them.
Other times, they’re giving advice,
not really working program,
not in sync
with God.
When I’ve listened long enough,
I recognize his voice,
hear his message.
But I need not wait.
He’s ready for me, any time.

God, protect me from leaving the path

you’re trying to send me along

no matter who speaks

for you.

Remind me you don’t need

interpreters.

Free!

 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

That the man who is making the approach has had the same difficulty, that he obviously knows what he is talking about, that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured – these are the conditions we have found most effective. (Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 18-19)

No people to please – how liberating!
I’ve tried all my life to please people,
to follow the rules,
to go with the flow,
to not make waves,
to blend in.
I’ve tried all my life to disappear,
to not be seen
at least not in a bad light,
a way that would reflect badly
on my parents,
my school,
my town,
my profession,
the church
I’ve now no people to please!
What you think of me
is none of my business!
What God thinks of me —
that’s my business.
But when I’m showing up,
asking him to tell me what to do
and doing it,
I’m free!

Free at last, free at last,
thanks, God, I’m free at last!

 

 

Galatians 3:10-12

For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.” ~ Galatians 3:10-12, The Lockman Foundation. New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 

Most of us sense that real tolerance of other people’s shortcomings and viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us more useful to others. Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.  

What does God want of me?
It feels like sometimes there's no way out.
If I try to follow the law --
God's laws or,
with self-reliance,
avoiding the pull of addiction,
I'm boxed in with no way
to find the proper path. 
But I'm not on my own.
God's here, ready, willing,
to direct my steps,
Upper Class Steps or lower case!
When working the Twelve Steps
or taking that next right step,
in either case (pun intended)
I'm not on my own. 

God, I offer myself to Thee,
– to build with me
and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them
may bear witness to those I would help
of Thy Power,
Thy Love,
and Thy Way of Life.*

*Third Step Prayer

 

GALATIANS 4:17

Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. ~ Galatians 4:17 New International Version (NIV)
I pushed a drink across the table. He refused it. Disappointed but curious, I wondered what had got into the fellow. He wasn't himself. 
"Come, what's all this about?" I queried. He looked straight at me. Simply, but smilingly, he said, "I've got religion." ~ Alcoholics Anonymous. page 9.

We are a program of of attraction,
not promotion. We offer you what we have,
and welcome you sincerely
if you decide you're one of us.
But if you don't want what we have
it's your decision.
We don't recruit to increase our numbers
or to put a notch in our belt.
We have found peace and fulfillment
and believe you can as well.
We believe you're likely to come back
when you're ready.
If you belong here
I'll do all I can to help,
mot as an expert
but as a fellow traveler.

God, give me the help
to communicate the joy
I've found in Recovery
and to offer a helping hand
whenever I can.

Galaians 3:8-9

Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. ~ Galaians 3:8-9 (Phillips New Testament)

 

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We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, page 46.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

We, the intelligent,
the educated,
the leaders don't understand,
cannot make sense
of that which we know to be true.
We want to lead, to explain,
to interpret
the mystery that happened to us.
We understand
we've been here,
you're new
and you have questions
needing answers.
We can say, "It works!
The miracle happened,
is happening in our lives."
But to say more,
to give you resolution,
you'll just have to accept...
We can tell you it works,
that it did for us,
but just accept, believe.
and feel the miracle!

God, thank you for the change
we welcome,
forgive our
impulse to demand
understanding as well. 

Galatians 3:7

Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. ~ NIV

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Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you. Offer him friendship and fellowship. Tell him that if he wants to get well you will do anything to help. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, page 95

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We walk a new walk
that is old for others
but we who feel like dwarfs
and look on those well-placed
on the path
as giants on whose shoulders
we are allowed to stand.

Abraham was a man
plagued with doubt
prone to lie
questioning
but obeying
on whose life we look back
with twenty-twenty
hindsight
and admiration.
Those who went before
were not giants
nor are we when we've walked
some miles
but we must accept those
who see us as we perceived
or predecessors.

God, thank you for the progression
yielding progress
and heroes to emulate.

Galatians 3:6

So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NIV)

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We must lose our fear of creditors no matter how far we have to go, for we are liable to drink if we are afraid to face them. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition (Kindle Locations 1207-1208).

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Credit, debit,
it's a spectrum,
a swinging door,
a teeter-totter.
It's more fun to be the have
than the have not,
to be able to give
than to need to take.
But what if the chips
are not symbols of money
but are blessings
life righteousness,
like love,
like understanding?
It's more fun to be the have
then as well
especially
for we lose none
of the blessings we share.

God, thank you for flowing blessings.
Give me the wisdom to pass them no
and see them expand to us all.

Galatians 3:5-6 (added bonus)

Galatians 3:5-6

So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NTSB—check that, same as yesterday’s quote)

The doctor said: “You have the mind of a chronic alcoholic. I have never seen one single case recover, where that state of mind existed to the extent that it does in you.” Our friend felt as though the gates of hell had closed on him with a clang. 

He said to the doctor, “Is there no exception?” 

“Yes,” replied the doctor, “there is. Exceptions to cases such as yours have been occurring since early times. Here and there, once in a while, alcoholics have had what are called vital spiritual experiences. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 27

We’ve tried.

Followed the rules,

pursued the rabbit tracks,

tried and failed

again and again.

Willpower, resolution, determination, 

threatened consequences,

actual loss…

nothing works.

Is there no exception?

Yes.

Here and there

once in a while

it happens —

a vital spiritual experience.

We believe what we’ve heard

and miracles happen.

God, grant me serenity.

Grant me awareness

I’m powerless,

Give me a miracle.

Galatians 3:5

I ask you again, does God give you the power of the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you as a result of your trying to obey the Jewish laws? No, of course not. It is when you believe in Christ and fully trust him. ~ Galatians 3:5 (TLB)

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Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God’s help.

This is the how and the why of it. First of all, we had to quit playing God. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62

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Quit playing God.

But I'm so good at it!

And after all

we're only talking

about the little things.

I'll leave the big ones to God...

Salvation

Condemnation

The destruction of the world.

But he's so busy.

He can't worry about a little lie,

just a half truth, really,

to not hut feelings.

Or about what I eat,

whether the chicken fry

or another baked fish. Phew!

I can handle this.

What do you mean, baloney?

You don't trust me?

God, you love me.

You care about me.

Nothing's to little for your concern.

I'll let go, release it all,

and really mean that prayer,

your will, not mine,

be done.

Galatians 3:4

Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? ~ Galatians 3:4 (NASB)

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We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, page 24

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WhenEVER will I learn?
Must I allow the same lesson
to be pounded into my head
again
and again
and AGAIN???
I know I do it to myself,
that I have a taste of recovery
then toss it away
again
and again
and again.
But at some point I learn
recovery feels better
than my addiction
that I don't want the illusive prize
and choose to hold the real one
and my experience
can bless others
doing what they would not do
again and again and again.

God, let it be sooner
rather than later.
Let me listen to those
who have learned the lesson.