The following is an email from a friend I have not seen in over 55 years. We recently reconnected on social media and when he saw my blog page, he responded.
With Joe’s permission, I am re-posting his First Step experience. —
Step One of road to Recovery, ADMITTING MY POWERLESNESS OVER ALCOHOL, AND OUR LIVES HAD BECOME UNMANAGABLE. The hardest words I ever had to speak —
“My name is Joe S and I’m an Alcoholic.”
But it was a powerful breakthrough. First time in my whole life, I ever admitted that John Barleycorn [a description of malt liquor] was my MASTER, AND I WAS POWERLESS TO STOP DRINKING.
I was tongue-tied and sweating up a storm. I was greeted with great fervor into the fellowship. Now that I ADMITTED I HAVE A Problem, how do I STOP?
You were not alone Diane. You were surrounded with the same MISERABLE scenario duplicated in millions of households—where well-meaning wives tried desperately to control hubbies boozing to NO AVAIL!
You heard, I’M SORRY HONEY.
I’ll Quit Tomorrow.
I PROMISE.
Soon wives became tone deaf.
Finally God’s Gift to wives, and husbands—Al-Anon.
Great blog Diane. Great sharing. God Bless,
Joe
Thank you, Joe, for helping me understand the struggle, the shame, and the decision an addict has to face every day of their life. With our Higher Power, we will regain our hope and strength. We will make it one step at a time.
“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. …He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless” (Isaiah 40:28-29 NLT).
