Topic for the week: Step 7
We are all invited to share on Step 7. The steps are our blueprint for living sober lives.
*** Step 7 ***
“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
This step is listed in Chapter 5, How it Works, from the book, Alcoholics Anonymous (affectionately known as the Big Book) (see p. 59). There’s more in Chapter 6 (Into Action), starting at the top of page 76. There’s even more about it in the book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
*** Where to get the books, Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions ***
You can find these books at many f2f AA meetings; you can order them online from many places. And they are available from the AA General Service office, to read online, in English, French, and Spanish. See www.aa.org/
My personal take on this Step is evolving as I grow in this program.
In my home f2f group this morning, we read and discussed this step from the 12 & 12. So much of what is written refers to humility, and quite a bit of what was discussed around the room was related to humility. One person reflected that “Humility does not mean to think less of yourself, it means to thinks of yourself less.”
The reading of the chapter ended with the person before me, and I was on the spot to start the discussion portion of the meeting. I admitted that I often “demand” rather than “humbly ask” God to remove these shortcomings. However, over time, this has changed somewhat and as I ask, I also ask to be shown how to make the changes necessary to replace the shortcomings with positive characteristics.
I consulted a therapist for a period of time several years ago, and she started me on the tool of journaling. I hated it at the beginning, but it has become a very useful tool that is definitely part of my recovery. I sometimes find that as I write down my thoughts and thought processes, my HP is showing me where I need to make changes, and some of the ways I can actually make the changes. I often squirm under this guidance, but I know that it is for my betterment. I am finding that I am truly learning from these moments.
Many of the changes that are taking place happen as a result of my HP showing me a change in my attitude. The key of willingness is definitely involved here. I have to be willing to co-operate with my HP in changing my attitude. I cannot do it on my own.
How are things changing for you as you work this Step? I look forward to reading your shares.
Pat S DOS: 06 July 2012