Blessed are the Alcoholics?

[Alberta girl]

How wonderful it is to have a forum where one can talk of these things. When I first stumbled into a 12 step fellowship, I certainly didn't feel blessed. But every so often an individual would identify themself as a 'grateful' alcoholic. I thought it was an oxymoron. There I was, sitting in the last room, in the last house, of the last street on my way to....well I'm not sure where I was headed, maybe jail, maybe the psych ward, maybe the undertaker. My greatest fear was that the next event in my life would be the one thing I would never be able to forgive myself for. How could that so-and-so call themself grateful? But Jesus said one day to a small crowd, 'blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven'.

I know with a certainty that fills me and comforts me that the Lord so dearly loves the alcoholic, that He built a special place for them. A place that includes a fellowship of men and women who are just like them and a suggested way to come out of the abyss of insanity and spiritual bankrupcy. A solution that will bring a person to the very feet of the Saviour. It is said in the scriptures, and I believe that there is only one way to the Father, that being our Lord Jesus Christ. But I also think that our Lord has provided many, many ways to come face to face with our Saviour.

[Cello]

How wonderful it is to have a forum where one can talk of these things. When I first stumbled into a 12 step fellowship, I certainly didn't feel blessed. But every so often an individual would identify themself as a 'grateful' alcoholic. I thought it was an oxymoron. There I was, sitting in the last room, in the last house, of the last street on my way to....well I'm not sure where I was headed, maybe jail, maybe the psych ward, maybe the undertaker. My greatest fear was that the next event in my life would be the one thing I would never be able to forgive myself for. How could that so-and-so call themself grateful? But Jesus said one day to a small crowd, 'blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven'.

I know with a certainty that fills me and comforts me that the Lord so dearly loves the alcoholic, that He built a special place for them. A place that includes a fellowship of men and women who are just like them and a suggested way to come out of the abyss of insanity and spiritual bankrupcy. A solution that will bring a person to the very feet of the Saviour. It is said in the scriptures, and I believe that there is only one way to the Father, that being our Lord Jesus Christ. But I also think that our Lord has provided many, many ways to come face to face with our Saviour.
As a former alcoholic (and drug addict), I can relate. Totally........

[Alberta girl]

As a former alcoholic (and drug addict), I can relate. Totally........
After I had been sober for several months I began to feel very grateful that my obssesion had been lifted. But there is no worship component in a 12 step fellowship so I started attending a church in my neighbourhood. But my pastor was somewhat down on 12 step fellowships and wanted me to quit. Has anything like thaty ever happened to you?

[Cello]

After I had been sober for several months I began to feel very grateful that my obssesion had been lifted. But there is no worship component in a 12 step fellowship so I started attending a church in my neighbourhood. But my pastor was somewhat down on 12 step fellowships and wanted me to quit. Has anything like thaty ever happened to you?
I went through a secular rehab and 12 step program to get clean and to church to get 'healed' if that makes sense. 12 step did help me in my walk though...even though AA and NA have become 'secular' you can determine your 'higher power' is GOD through CHRIST. Also there is a very good 12 step Christian program -- called Celebrate Recovery (http://http://www.celebraterecovery.com/index.asp)...I've only been involved with it from the sidelines, but is uses Eight Recovery Principles (http://http://www.celebraterecovery.com/8principles.asp)based on the BEATITUDES and 12 steps and biblical comparisons (http://www.celebraterecovery.com/twelve.asp)...

I guess some churches are 'scared' of 12 step programs that might 'teach' a very secular or new age higher power....or just because they dont' understand the nature of addiction and recovery. ? I mean, some people get clean without a program, or church is their program, but I see nothing wrong with 12 stepping it either....

I'm sorry you've had a hard time.