Help to Move On
With willingness and a desire for increased recovery in our lives, we turn to our Higher Power to help us move on to Step Nine.
I've been sitting with my completed Step Eight list for two months. Twenty-six names. Specific harms listed. Some people I'm willing to make amends to. Some I'm still resisting. But I keep staring at the list not knowing what comes next. My sponsor said: Are you trying to do Step Nine by yourself or are you going to ask God for help?
With willingness and a desire for increased recovery in our lives we turn to our Higher Power to help us move on to Step Nine. Turn to our Higher Power. Not just turn to Step Nine. Turn to our Higher Power to help us move to Step Nine. I've been treating the Steps like a checklist I complete through determination. Make list - check. Become willing - partial check. Make amends - next task. But Step Eight asks me to turn to God for help moving forward.
The willingness I have isn't enough by itself. The desire for increased recovery isn't enough alone. I need God's help to actually move from this list to action. To know when I'm ready. To know how to approach amends. To know what to say. I can't just barrel into Step Nine armed only with my list and my determination. I need to turn to my Higher Power and ask for help with this next step. The turning to God is what makes moving forward possible instead of just impulsive.
Before moving to Step Nine, I can pray specifically: God, I have my list and some willingness. I want increased recovery. Please help me move to Step Nine in Your timing and Your way. Show me when I'm ready. Guide me in how to approach amends. I can't do this next step without Your help.
