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Howdy and Good Morning:
There is no doubt in my mind that Step 3 changed my life incredibly and drastically. I had been in Al-Anon 9 months. I was still threatening to leave my active alcoholic/addict husband every time he used (especially since he was bringing home people who would as soon rob me and rape me as look at me twice). I was eating incredible amounts (especially sugar). And I was still drinking here or there. Since my meeting looked at a step a month, March was on Step 3. I heard many people say how getting down on their knees and saying the 3rd step prayer changed their life. Soon after, we went on vacation to Disney world with my teenage stepchildren so I was not very consistent about saying the prayer. However, I did notice that I was developing a feeling that God was with me and that sugar and alcohol interfered with that feeling. My belly-button birthday is March 13 so I had a drink of wine and a piece of cake that night. When my spirits plummeted, I realized something was very wrong. We went home the next day and I started saying the 3rd step prayer on my knees daily. A couple of weeks later I asked my husband not to bring anyone home when he used. He said no and I moved out. I also gave up sugar at that time.
My husband asked me to move back a few weeks later. He stayed sober a hellish 6 months. Though he uses still, he tries to stay away from me and he will not bring anyone home with him. I have not had a drink of alcohol or used an illegal drug since March 13, 1996.
Most importantly, I stayed sugar sober until I relapsed in November of last year. Funny thing, I had quit saying the 3rd step prayer on my knees shortly before that.
There is no doubt in my mind that Step 3 made incredible changes in my life. I try to make it a practise to turn my will and my life over DAILY. The days I do not are never as good as the days I do. I also use the prayer as a mantra, saying it over and over again in times of trouble or pain. For me, Step 3 in the corner stone of the Steps.
Since we only have 3 weeks left in March, I will look at the first part of the step this week, the second part of the step next week and the 3rd Step prayer next week.
Lonie
Howdy and a Beautiful Monday Morning to you all:
Step 3 has been a crucial part of my recovery since I started taking it 2 years ago. For a short time I did not practise getting down on my knees daily and saying the prayer. That quickly ended up in relapse into the food.
This step is the most freeing step to me. Now, I am no longer in charge. Now, I do not have to shoulder the burdens of the world. Now, I do not have to attempt to control the food, I have given that to one who actually has the power to control it.
I am learning to take this step with more meaning and more humility. Now, when I get down on my knees I am able to feel a trust that God will take good care of my life, I feel in awe of the power I know is there, and I feel excitement at the surprises and delights I know the future will bring even in the midst of pain and sorrow.
Lonie
Howdy, Y'all:
For the last part of our examination of Step 3, I am going to look at 3rd Step prayers.
The most common is the prayer from the AABB (pg 63):
"God I offer myself to Thee--to build with me and do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life. May I do Thy will always!"Other prayers that are less elegant but may say more are:
So, looking at the BB prayer in particular here are some journaling questions:
Lonie
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