A relative who is reading my recently published book, Filling the God-Shaped Void, said she was surprised at my acknowledgement of some of my drinking behavior "for all to see." Since there are some rather critical family members in our extended family, I will admit to some misgivings about their response. But the bottom line is that people who care about me already know the worst. Those who might delight in the nitty gritty are probably those who talk about me no matter what.
The reason those of us in recovery share the honest facts is that it helps us to "own" the behavior. It is part of what keeps us in the process of recovery...to remember how bad it was..and that we don't have to go back there. We also know that sharing those facts let's others know they are not alone. They are not the only people who have done stupid, hurtful things. When we are in the middle of the guilt and shame, it feels like we are the only ones who have ever done that.
And the message is there is hope...hope for a better life...hope for a new way of being and living.
When we feel no hope, when there is guilt once again over breaking our promise to change, we remember there is a better life. God promises that and promises He is with us in all the mess.
We write about it and we talk about it and we ask God to remind us that He is with us---always.
Have you asked God today to remind you that He is right there with you?
Blessings-Penny
No comments:
Post a Comment