Step 3 - Recovered 892

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

In this episode we will cover Step 3. So, listener, we may use some language that may make you feel uncomfortable. We will probably use the word God which may be offensive to some of you. I understand this and I want to be sensitive to your needs and

i don't want MY understanding of a higher power get in the way of YOUR recovery.

So when you hear me use the word God, maybe try to substitute a concept that maybe more palatable for you, such as Higher Power, the AA group, Spirit of the Universe, whatever concept of a
power greater than you
that is acceptable for you.
Just make sure your higher power in NOT you.

With the first step, we accepted the fundamental problem we face as alcoholics, our powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of our lives.
In the second step, we found the nature of our solution: a Power greater than ourselves who could restore us to sanity.
In the third step, we discover how to make use of that solution by turning our will and our lives over to the care of that power.

Step 3 has been summarized as:
I can’t, God can, I think I’ll let him

The 12 and 12 says,
“... the effectiveness of the whole AA program will rest upon how well and earnestly we have tried to come to a decision to turn our will and our lives
over to the care of God as we understood him.” Steps 1, 2, and 3 are the foundation of our program.

Sounds important, let’s discuss.

Let's go to you first …,
What is first to mind on this topic?
where do you want to start?

What does it mean to you to make a decision?
What does the phrase “God as we understood him” mean to you?
What is your concept of your higher power?
What does it mean to turn ‘our will and lives over to the care of God” to you?

What does Self Will mean to you?
What is the difference between a life run on self-will and a life that follows a Higher Power’s will?
What is the difference between Willpower and Self Will?
How well as self-will served you?

What does “self-centeredness is the root of our troubles” mean to you?

Third step prayer
"God, I offer myself to Thee-to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!

Your thoughts

What is a recent example of exercising self-will rather than following your Higher Power’s will?
How can you know God’s will?

The principal in Step 3 is faith.
What does faith mean to you?

How does prayer and meditation help you discover your Higher Power’s will?
How is humility different than humiliation?

What reservations have you had about turning your will over to the care of a higher power?
Is recovery Your Higher Power’s will for you? How do you know?

After you have turned something over to your higher power, have you ever decided to take it back? Explain.

What prayers do you use to get/stay centered in times of difficulty?

We Have Calls

Mike from FLA
https://www.speakpipe.com/messages

Zach emailed this in
http://drivetts.ehubsoft.net/

Andrew from Colorado
https://www.speakpipe.com/messages

Meredith from Cleveland
https://www.speakpipe.com/messages