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The Gift of
Al-Anon
Being hopeful
as a child was a surefire way to experience disappointment. I wished
that things would change, but I never hoped they would. There just
didn't seem to be any point. Fortunately, God led me to the wonderful
fellowship of Al-Anon where I heard members speak of their hope. The
people had hope in their hearts that I could see in their eyes.
As I worked the
program, I discovered my belief in the following words on page 44 in
Hope for Today: "Hope comes in the words of the Second Step.
My Higher Power can restore to me what I once believed to be
irrevocably lost—my sanity and serenity. I am not promised that my
loved ones will find sobriety. What I am offered, however, is the gift
waiting for me in the form of the Al-Anon program, which fills the
void carved into my mind and heart by the disease of alcoholism."
God is
restoring my sanity through Al-Anon, and it's not because the
alcoholic in my life found sobriety, because he hasn't. It has nothing
at all to do with the alcoholic, but it has everything to do with
me—my attitudes, my awareness, and my growing ability to accept life
on life's terms. I've learned to let go of false hopes and unrealistic
expectations because they set me up for disappointment.
The hope that
Al-Anon has given me is the hope offered in our "Suggested Welcome,"
that I truly can "find contentment, and even happiness, whether the
alcoholic is still drinking or not." The gift of the Al-Anon program
has filled my life with gratitude, joy, serenity, and even happiness.
I have found a fellowship filled with the most understanding and
caring souls I could ever imagine! I have learned how to take care of
myself and to honor my needs and feelings. My connection to God has
deepened in ways I never thought possible.
Yes, today I
have hope. I have wonderful experiences in Al-Anon, and I have no
doubt that my Higher Power has more in store for me as I continue to
grow and heal in Al-Anon. This program fills my mind and heart with
great gifts, and I have every hope that the best is yet to come!
By Darlene S., New York
The Forum,
February 2005
©
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 2005. All Rights Reserved. |
