Forgiveness
Forgiveness
24/Jun/08 Filed in: Forgiveness
Forgiveness can sometimes be just a change in
attitude. When I realized that my bitterness was
hurting me more than anyone else, I began to
search for a better way to view my situation.
God has used the troublesome people in my life as messengers, and His message to me was that I needed to get my own life together. I had been tolerating unacceptable behavior because I was unwilling to get the help that I needed, but eventually the message got through. I got into recovery. I don't deny all the past hurt, but I no longer carry the bitterness it brought. I am grateful for what I've learned and what I am still learning.
I won't allow old resentments to drag me down any longer. With God's help I'm building a better life day by day.
God has used the troublesome people in my life as messengers, and His message to me was that I needed to get my own life together. I had been tolerating unacceptable behavior because I was unwilling to get the help that I needed, but eventually the message got through. I got into recovery. I don't deny all the past hurt, but I no longer carry the bitterness it brought. I am grateful for what I've learned and what I am still learning.
I won't allow old resentments to drag me down any longer. With God's help I'm building a better life day by day.
—Anonymous
De Profundis
12/Apr/08 Filed in: 2nd Step
Out of the depths have I called Thee, O
LORD.
Lord, hearken unto my voice; let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
For with Thee there is forgiveness ...
Lord, hearken unto my voice; let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
For with Thee there is forgiveness ...
—Psalm 130 (JPS)
The Ninth Step and the Lord's Prayer
07/Apr/08 Filed in: 9th Step
I had been a member of Al-Anon for about three
years when I heard that the congregation was
planning a Recovery Ministry. I looked forward to
its starting. First, because I knew it would be
beneficial for people within and without our
membership. Second, because I hoped to be on the
receiving end of some Ninth Step work from some
of those folks. They owed it to me.
I've since realized that part of my Ninth Step work of making amends requires me to let go of what I feel those people "owe" me. Forgiving the debts owed to me puts me in a better place when I pray to be forgiven as I have forgiven my debtors.
I still look forward to being on the receiving end of some Ninth Step work—but not because it is owed to me. Instead, I look forward to seeing others progress in their recoveries.
I've since realized that part of my Ninth Step work of making amends requires me to let go of what I feel those people "owe" me. Forgiving the debts owed to me puts me in a better place when I pray to be forgiven as I have forgiven my debtors.
I still look forward to being on the receiving end of some Ninth Step work—but not because it is owed to me. Instead, I look forward to seeing others progress in their recoveries.
—Anonymous