Higher Power

For years I have struggled with the concept of a Higher Power. I grew-up in a Catholic church where my God was a punishing God. If I ate more than a half an hour before Sunday mass I had sinned, if I laughed during church I was condemned, if I fought with my sisters like children do I was "sentenced" to ten Hail Mary's! So who is this God that I was forced to believe in as a child and how could ? This was a very confusing way to grow-up and was been a great challenge for me in my recovery; to find a God of my understanding who can restore me to sanity.

Through the program, and my church family, I have developed a Higher Power who I can freely turn my will and my life over to on a daily basis. He is patient, He is understanding, He is there anytime I p ray or need to ask for guidance. He does not judge, and He has plans for me that are far greater than any plan I have had and/or could possible have for myself.

Today, I have a God that is all loving. A God that does not punish but who forgives. A God who is there for me without boundaries and without exceptions. Each morning I ask God to remove the obsession I have to drink, to be with me in my journey throughout the day; and if I find myself caught-up in the internal battle to drink or sin I ask God for guidance and to protect me. I simple say sometimes once or sometimes repeatedly thy will be done. And at night, I thank God and praise Him for giving me another day of sobriety.

How did you come to believe in a Power Greater than yourself?