Six weeks ago I was talking to a long time friend. He is in AA, has been for many years, and yet still struggles. Perhaps one reason I respect the 12 steps is not because of those who succeed, though it is part of it of course. No, the main reason is because of those who don’t, yet still begin again. I think it would be difficult and take a great deal of humility to go in front of a group and once again take the white chip. Yet my friend does, and continues on. He understands beginning again, not giving up and he told me that he understands the meaning of grace on ever deeper levels as he gets older. The grace and understanding from his group, the listening that he receives and his love of the 5th step that he has done more than most. His wife loves him and tells me that he is a better man. When he falls, he gets back up and begins again, and his times of sobriety are getting longer as time moves on. He understand his need to stay close to his “higher power”, and tells me for him it is a slow process, but each day is a new beginning, each failure another test in trust of God and of the men and women in his home group. People in 12 steps programs are no different than anyone else. Each man and woman unique in their journey towards health and communion with God; or as AA calls it, their trust in their ‘Higher Power”.
Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery
