We may be tempted to stray off the path of recovery and wander into the swirling chaos and confusion of this world. Fear and uncertainty of the future can quickly and without warning pull us into a trap where we allow old thoughts and behaviors to enter. Our reliance on God can falter and fade as we begin to rely on ourselves and the world for comfort.

Fortunately, in our daily walk of sober living, we are reminded that we have surrendered our will and lives to God and in Him alone we place our trust. With each daily renewal of faith, we can remain calm and serene no matter what is happening around us, recalling that His grace is sufficient for us.

Step 11 reminds us to increase our conscious contact with God through daily prayer and meditation as a means to carry out God’s will more perfectly. One of the most effective and powerful spiritual weapons is the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Who is better equipped than our mother to gently guide us through the trials of this world and into the tender heart of her son, Jesus? 

By contemplating the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous mysteries (20 in total) we are drawn into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—we relive in our hearts and minds the life of our savior. Clinging to the lifeline of each bead, we unite in repetitive prayer crying out “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” as we plead for peace in our hearts so that we may be bearers of peace to those in our family, communities, and world.

By humbly placing our lives in our mother’s care, we will ultimately begin to change and be open to receiving the immense gifts she wishes to shower upon us—the gifts of sobriety, healing, peace, and joy that come from Jesus. Mother Mary said “yes” to God’s will and now remains ever near Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. I pray her “yes” becomes our “yes” as we pick up our rosary and pray, pray, pray! If we do, we and those around us will surely receive many gifts from our Lord!

If you are unfamiliar with the Holy Rosary or not sure how to pray it, you can learn how to participate in this wonderful devotion here.

By God’s grace, Kathy has been clean and sober since June 1, 2006, and is an active member of Catholic in Recovery. She also feels called to share the merciful love of Christ’s healing grace with all those suffering from the pain and wounds caused by abortion. On most days, you can find her at daily Mass, the gym, or caring for the needs of her family.