The principles of the 12 Steps must be practiced, I have to live them. And my Higher Power can't be a theory, either. When difficulties arise, HP must be a real living, loving god I can feel and experience and really lean on. Nothing else will keep me from going back to addictive substances.

I can't be grateful enough for these Steps, this food plan, the whole program and all of you for helping me develop a faith that works. Thank you.
Love,
Kasey

Kasey--

A faith that works--that says a lot to me. For years it didn't work for me, and I don't think I had faith. Well, I did have faith from seeing others around me that it was possible to be abstinent and happy and have some peace. And I assumed from whqt they said that they were once like me, though it seemed kind of hard to believe. I mean, they were up there and I was way down here. But I couldn't think of a reason they had to lie to me about it. I heard about people working steps and about the importance of discipline--of being teachable, but it didn't make logical sense to me so I resisted and put off and just refused, I guess. Once beaten into submission once again wtih the food, I became willing and open-minded to trying another way. The result has been that I have a faith that works a lot of the time though it requires my action beneath it as well as my asking. When I don't do my part, I don't get access to Power. Being humble enough to say "uncle" is a great first step for me--then I remember, oh yeah, there is a Power greater than myself that can restore me to sanity. Perhaps I should seek that Power. Then I get results which often are not what I planned but certainly what I needed. Thank heavens! That's what I wanted to happen in the first place.

Thanks for the reminder!

Steve in Atlanta

You guys always keep me inspired. I'm so grateful for our little RFAers in Hotlanta.

Susan

Thanks for the reminder.
For me unless I live my life according to theis principles my life is a mess, I can be abstinent and act as a dry drunk if I do not live by the AA principles