@Bobby Cole There are things about 12 Step programs I certainly disagree with, but you can't really vocalize them there...mainly so as to not undermine the absolutist nature of the programs that is required for the addict's mindset (although I've personally talked to folks in recovery who made significant strides yet still felt like failures.) Even though I was a raging alcoholic, I went to groups that focused on my causal issues (ACoA), not how I chose to act out because of them. That's one reason I was so blessed to have variety of The Unity Club nearby. I never really clicked with most AA meetings for various reasons, but that's why there is a variety of groups. I got clean & sober through the strength and comradity of those attending those other groups...substance abuse was discussed, but it was not the primary focus. It must have worked. I celebrated 30 years just last spring. I think that most of us are conscious of the Christian rebirth parallels (We Are Lazarus), but the "washed clean" aspect is antithetical to the "you can never pick up another drink the rest of your life" AA philosophy. I guess I never really thought of it. Perhaps the dog returning to that particular vomit would have calamitous results. And it may also be in line with when AA was founded. Fire & Brimstone may have been more prevalent that The Love of Jesus. I was luckier than many in that quitting for me was not a struggle or a burden...it was removing one. I was still able to go out to bars & clubs with friends and actually enjoy myself...kind of "being present" in a way I never was before. The thought of reverting never occurred to me...I never really felt like giving up. I also keep lots of different alcohols at home (beers, wines, liquors) because I like to cook, and I've never wanted to deny myself that. Funny that I never shared either of those things (bars and alcohol at home) in any meeting, yet never really gave thought to my hesitance to be full disclosing in a place I had always told all. If I was worried about it, I know I could have discussed it, but outside of that context it would be heresy...perhaps understandably so.
Ah, so I see that you’re a fan of II Peter 2:21-22 also. I have often included those verses in a few of the messages I have presented in chapels and churches but especially to those folks who get into a program and think they are ready for the world after a couple of weeks being clean. The verses also tie in wonderfully with the II Cor. 5:17 new creation attitude.
I can't imagine any ex-drinker not having Paul resonate with them. No one is more fervent than a reformed [fill-in-the-blank.] Paul knows what the other side--and forgiveness and rebirth--are all about. It's not a concept to him. He is the poster child.
Yes, and Peter was well aware of what it was like to have known righteousness and how it feels to back away from it. All that time with the Master and when it wasn’t convenient at the time, he denied even knowing Him.
There are several non-12-step programs. I am taking an online course to become a facilitator for the Smart Recovery program, which is not a 12-step program. On the topic of my wife's Recovery Center, it's amazing how things have opened up since they got their 501c3 non-profit status. Not only does it open up monetary funding sources but they are getting large amounts of new clothing, bedding, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other household items, as well as food, that they give away for free, no questions asked. They went to Portland yesterday to pick up a packed van full of new winter jackets, quilts, and blankets that look expensive. The quilts apparently have some stitching errors but we were unable to find anything wrong with the one that we examined. I'm staffing the Recovery Center right now because they are returning the van that they rented in order to pick up the stuff.
If there is a good storage area and an inspected place to prepare food, you should be able to get USDA products. Canned veggies, juices, rice, cheese, powdered milk, oats and cereals and a whole plethora of different types of frozen meats including lamb roasts. All free.
Food banks and such are fantastic and the last time I had to go to one I only paid 12 cents a pound but that still includes the weight of the can. Some of it is bent cans and other stuff that is on the edge of being out dated and has to be handled with care but it’s still good food and feeds a lot of needy people. Note: Food banks are also a great place to get cheap chocolate and yes, on occasion they even have Miracle Whip. The thing about the USDA is that you check off the list what you want and you go pick it up from a delivery point every 2-3 months or so depending on your area and ministry size.
I am covering at the Recovery Center today because Michelle and her partner are making a drive to Portland to pick up some donated (new) toys for kids. I imagine it will be a full load of it because it's a long drive.
Congratulations Ken!! Does that mean you are going to spend more time at the center other than the designated times or just for those meetings?
I was putting in an eight-hour day on Fridays but pulled out of it temporarily because I had too many other things to do. I do maintain the center's website, however. If and when I become a recovery coach, I'll spend more time there but, as it is, I would mostly be answering the telephone and I hate answering telephones.