Through abstinence and through working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous, our lives have become useful.
Basic Text, p. 8
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Before coming to Narcotics Anonymous, our lives were centered around using. For the most part, we had very little energy left over for jobs, relationships, or other activities. We served only our addiction.
The Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous provide a simple way to turn our lives around. We start by staying clean, a day at a time. When our energy is no longer channeled into our addiction, we find that we have the energy to pursue other interests. As we grow in recovery, we become able to sustain healthy relationships. We become trustworthy employees. Hobbies and recreation seem more inviting. Through participation in Narcotics Anonymous, we help others.
Narcotics Anonymous does not promise us that we will find good jobs, loving relationships, or a fulfilling life. But when we work the Twelve Steps to the best of our ability, we find that we can become the type of people who are capable of finding employment, sustaining loving relationships, and helping others. We stop serving our disease, and begin serving God and others. The Twelve Steps are the key to transforming our lives.
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Just for today: I will have the wisdom to use the Twelve Steps in my life, and the courage to grow in my recovery. I will practice my program to become a responsible, productive member of society.
But NA is teaching that a god will help us stay clean, but they won't say which one. It does matter.
Because, is it more the power of belief that is the key? Or is it actual involvement of that god that is at work?
Where does information about that god come from?
Because if you really pay attention, there is a problem there. A lot of people are referring to a god of their imagination. Not a god that really has laid an offer on the table to satisfy the 3rd step.
Where does the idea that such an offer, to guide us in our recovery, even exists?
Is it in the imagination of Jimmy K. Bill W. or an ancient religious text known as The Bible?
Without evidence that such an offer exists, it is wishful thinking.
Where does the idea that such an offer has been made to us come from?
But NA is teaching that a god will help us stay clean, but they won't say which one. It does matter.
Because, is it more the power of belief that is the key? Or is it actual involvement of that god that is at work?
Where does information about that god come from?
Because if you really pay attention, there is a problem there. A lot of people are referring to a god of their imagination. Not a god that really has laid an offer on the table to satisfy the 3rd step.
Where does the idea that such an offer, to guide us in our recovery, even exists?
Is it in the imagination of Jimmy K. Bill W. or an ancient religious text known as The Bible?
Without evidence that such an offer exists, it is wishful thinking.
Where does the idea that such an offer has been made to us come from?
Doesn't matter, don't care, the evidence is clearly the NA program of Recovery is and has been working for tens of thousands of addicts for decades.
Anyone seen my Troll net?
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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :) Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
Yup, I undoubtedly fried more than a few brain cells back in active addiction. Indeed my best thinking couldn't keep me from Using, I tried to quit for years. Yet somehow by Surrendering to a Power Greater Than Myself which I didn't understand somehow the burden of having to use whether I wanted to or not was liftted. I didn't do it. Some power I choose to call God did it for me.
While some people's personal mission may be to change the fundamental tenents of NA, for me it works best to USE the tenents of NA actively in my Journey of Recovery from the disease of addiction.
Oh, the fact that since getting Clean over thirty years ago I've retested a lowly 141 and 140 IQ (low level genius that is) does NOT help my recovery, the simple principles of the NA Program do.
Fight a program that works or surrender, the choice is yours.
Still can't find my net and don't think this will work as well but will give it a try!
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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :) Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
I really look forward to your well thought answers, Dave.
I really, really do.
I'll bet that even the spirit that created us looks forwward to how you represent your concern for your fellow human being when answering serious, yet somewhat hypothetical, questions designed to force a person to the conclusion that NA is, in fact, religious. Contrary to it's claim.
After working a thorough 3rd step.., are you doing 'God's' will when you attempt to offend me? Or is this an example of someone taking their will back?
You are a spiritual giant. I am certain that I will enjoy hearing your compassionate and well thought out responses for some time.
If you are such a genius..., then why not take the time to really THINK about the questions?
Do you think that the only thing that matters, with regard to a Power greater than ourselves, is what we can get from Him?
Do you not think that there are things that matter TO Him?
Just think about it, Dave.
You don't do yourself any favors by giving flippant responses and insulting me. He might not like that.
I am here for a while to ask questions of the gurus who claim that it is simple. If it is simple, the questions should not be deserving of flippant and thoughtless remarks designed to insult me.
Just engage your brain and consider that if another human being has spent whatever length of time coming up with questions that he feels are legitamate, and valid..., then you can respond in kind.
...when answering serious, yet somewhat hypothetical, questions designed to force a person to the conclusion that NA is, in fact, religious. Contrary to it's claim. ...
I know, quit feeding the Troll! Trolls aren't seeking knowledge or answers but rather "...force a person to the conclusion...", attempting to force others to their predetermined conclusion and point of view regardless of others beliefs or answer(s). Only the Troll's point of view counts in a Trolls mind. And that's ok sometimes, Trolls can be fun to play with.
But in respect for the forum I'll get out of the sandbox now.
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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :) Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
