Endigar 544 ~ Repairing the Damage
From Today’s Daily Reflections;
Good judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine. (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 83)
To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor’s fence, I “make a mend,” and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone, I make a daily effort to cause no further harm. I “mend my ways,” and that is an indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach, provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do both. If harm is done, then I simply “mend my ways.” To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.
END OF QUOTE
——————————————————————
My alcoholism has the power to do damage to me and to others who become involved with me. My disease used my power as a living being to destroy. I became powerless, not because I had no power, but because I surrendered that power to a pathological relationship. Once surrendered, I am enslaved.
My sobriety has the power to strengthen me and to encourage others who become involved with me. My solution uses my power as a living being to further empower. I become powerful, not because I had the power as an isolated being, but because I surrendered that power to a God of my own understanding. Once surrendered, I experience freedom.
The amends process is the practical expression of this new reality for me.
Daily Reprieve 
Leave a Reply