When I first started attending secular 12-step meetings for the loved ones of lust addicts, I noticed that the facilitator of each meeting made sure to read information about the Seventh Tradition, which usually sounded something like this: “Our Seventh Tradition...
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Unpacking the Process of Sanctification & Recovery
Apr 3, 2024 | First Step, General, Second Step | 0 Comments
One of the most challenging directives in Scripture is when Jesus says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). A simple review of the 10 Commandments convinces me that I break many of them daily. Without the presence of...
The Power of Surrender for Adult Children: Insights from Saint Joseph & Saint Thérèse for Step 1
Jan 4, 2024 | Adult Children of an Alcoholic, First Step, Help from the Saints, Saints—On Earth & in Heaven | 0 Comments
In our journey of recovery, Step 1—“We admitted we were powerless over the effects of living with alcoholism and that our lives had become unmanageable”—stands as a beacon of self-awareness and courage for adult children of dysfunctional homes. Drawing wisdom from the...
Acceptance as the Answer to All Our Problems: Part One
Nov 23, 2021 | Big Book of AA, First Step, Getting Sober, Therapy, Third Step | 0 Comments
One of the more memorable characteristics of the therapists I had when I was a client at The Ranch was his uncanny ability to tell you exactly what you needed to hear. Many of the men who were in the Sexual Recovery Program (SRP) were there because they realized they...
Working My Fifth Step with a Priest
Oct 20, 2021 | First Step, Getting Sober, Mercy, Reconciliation, Sacraments, Spiritual Tools, The Sacraments | 0 Comments
Step Five: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” My journey into a lasting and more abundant sober life coincided with my diving deeper into my Catholic faith. I had been in, out of, and around AA for 14 years. But...
“Restored”: A Poem
Mar 10, 2021 | First Step, General, Getting Sober, Mercy | 0 Comments
Feebly I bowed my head Arriving at the edge of the cliff I breathed in despair Exhaled despondency Floating numbly I slipped Surrendering into the abyss Somehow I heard Your whispering To me "Finally"...as Your heart Gently secured my frozen soul Took away all...