Since my early teens, I’ve felt a profound connection to God. This connection waned as alcohol consumed my life. My most heartfelt prayers occurred during the five years I struggled to get sober. It became clear that my approach to spirituality was lacking.

Like many in Twelve Step Recovery, finding a “God of my understanding” to help with my addiction was challenging. In hindsight, the issue was not my beliefs but rather a lack of surrender.

My Christian beliefs were grounded in the idea that I first believed, then God transformed me, and with His assistance, I could overcome my addiction. Helping others did not play a role in the process. This approach was ineffective.

“Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.”

— Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 89

The path of surrender is the opposite approach. I take action regardless of my confidence in its success, and I transform as a result. My sponsor and fellow members of A.A. show me how to work with others in new ways. Choosing to help someone rather than focusing solely on myself is a form of surrender. I do not need to believe that helping another will work, that there is a God, whether God would help me or not, or any of the other countless objections – I only need to take action. My beliefs do not need to change—it’s not about religion, faith, or belief. Beliefs require change only if they hinder my ability to surrender.

What is Surrender?

Surrender can be defined as “letting go, stopping the fight, or admitting complete defeat.” Surrender was a foreign concept. I believed I was supposed to do everything I could and then ask God to help with the part I could not do. There was no surrender; I asked God for more strength instead.

Surrender is completely different. When I stop fighting, lay down my weapons, and seek a way to help, my problems lose their power. I not only surrender to the God of my understanding, or the lack thereof, but I also surrender to the current issue and the entire situation, including all parties involved — everything in this present moment.

After several years of sobriety, I still felt something was missing in my understanding of surrender and how it functioned, particularly in applying the program to the rest of life. I started researching Christianity, Buddhism, various Eastern religions, and Gnostic beliefs.

As I researched, I noticed a pattern in all the primary religious texts, including the canonical gospels. These were the same principles I found in recovery.

I began to recognize three primary traits:

1. Surrender to a Power greater than myself.

2. Amend past harms to others and myself and quickly resolve further harms.

3. Helping others.

Everyone has their own “God Language”

I struggled for a long time with allowing others the freedom to have different views of the Higher Power. I often bristled with inner contempt when someone expressed an opinion I found ridiculous. One day, I realized that everyone has their unique spiritual language, or “God language,” if you prefer. Much like someone speaking a different spoken language, they are not wrong; it is simply their native tongue. I began to approach others’ beliefs in the same way. I can now recite the Lord’s Prayer at the end of a meeting and share a common language without judgment.

The Use of the “God” Word

For me, the meaning of the word “God” continues to evolve. Substituting Love for God always works and illustrates how I experience Recovery. I find freedom when I choose actions rooted in Love rather than those that reinforce my fears. In some verses, I acknowledge a presence that seems separate from myself. For some, expressing Gratitude or a prayer means addressing What Is in this present moment. For others, it means addressing a Higher Power. Some speak words without intending to direct them toward anyone or anything specific. Regardless, I am Grateful that we have the freedom to discover our individual spiritual practices.

Love Described

In this book, expressions or descriptions of Love or Compassionate Living are capitalized for emphasis.

A Personal Note

To download a free PDF copy, go to the link at the top right of this website, which you are encouraged to share and post wherever appropriate. Sharing includes but is not limited to institutional systems, rehabilitation facilities, websites, and social media.
 
I hope these verses will help anyone grappling with situations in life that are beyond their control. You can integrate these verses into your daily meditations or whenever you seek comfort, guidance, or inspiration. They resonate with me, and I hope they resonate with you as well.

Buddy C.
Atlanta, GA
March 2021