Using The 12-step Program For Spiritual Enlightenment
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a part of a non-denominational
, spiritual program which is, to date, the most successful way of helping alcoholics maintain long-term sobriety.
Since its early beginnings, the program has been expanded to assist people in dealing with all life challenges in a spiritual way. At any given time, there are meetings happening for every life issue that you can think of. Like with the Universal Life Church, the sun never sets on the 12-step program.
There are many books which focus upon the spiritual importance of making the 12-steps a part of everyday life. Since the steps have a spiritual base, anyone who is interested in learning new ways to improve ones spirituality can use these amazing tools.
The 12 Steps present an individualized approach, customized in design, allowing for leverage in terms of ones spiritual beliefs, and validating our individual spiritual journeys.
The program was based on the premise that when we are experiencing spiritual bankruptcy, our lives will most likely be unmanageable.
In the absence of a relationship with God, we are in disarray, miserable, unhappy and out of control. In this state of lonely emptiness, we are lost and moving in darkness, which limits our capacity to experience life in positive ways, and keeps us moving in little more than a zombie-like state. It is an unpleasant place to be, and fortunately it is temporary.
The 12-step program also leaves room for anyone who wishes to use these steps as a part of your particular religious belief system. They are flexible to a certain extent, and that is part of the unique beauty of this program.
As ministers, it is beneficial to learn about other belief systems and how they can be utilized and applied to our lives and the lives of those who seek our help as ministers.
The 12-Step Spiritual Program was first created by two alcoholics who were imprisoned in the clutches of pain and suffering and whose lives were a living hell.
The two founders, Dr. Bob and Bill W. were spiritual seekers in their own right, desperately searching for a means to heal their lives. After a long quest, they learned that self-dependence was an illusion, and a belief and a dependence on a Higher Power was essential to healing.
They also discovered that assisting others was vital to success. Reaching out to others, sharing your stories, gathering strength and hope from others is the only way to maintain sobriety and spiritual enlightenment.
Their experience proves that the human spirit, when pushed to the depths of despair, can rise from the ashes, like the phoenix, and create miracles.
If you WANT a miracle, then you must first BE the miracle.
The challenge in life involves learning from the pain, frustration and void in our lives and our hearts so it can be turned around and used to create miracles.
One of the famous slogans in the program clarifies this simply:
When life gives you lemons, learn to make lemonade.
by: Scott Turresterson
Nikon Coolpix L100 Digital Camera Critiques
Dont Go It Alone! An Oklahoma City Accident Lawyer Is Your Best Bet Vintage Square Emerald Cut Diamond Rings How Important Is A Personal Injury Lawyer? Training As An Ultrasound Technician Is A Superb Choice For Guaranteed Work More Ways To Generate Traffic, Earn An Extra $7,500 Starting Today Lack Is A Dangerous Thing Top Reasons Why You Should Select Isagenix For Detoxification How To Play Guitar Chords 10 Ways To Make The World A Better Place Too Little Density Creates Stitches That Do Not Cover The Fabric E-liquid Is Why E Cigarettes Are Great You Can Find A Great Variety Of Pashmina Products