“As we began recovering, we let go of convincing others what the Greater Power was, and instead focused on how to use that power in recovery.”

–  Life with Hope, second edition, page 9

One of the first slogans I clung to in early recovery was “let go and let God.” I would say this to myself over and over while trying to learn how to meditate. Imagine my surprise, when after a couple decades of recovery, I realized that I rarely remember to “let God.” I remember the “let go” often, but in truth I hardly ever really let go. How can my Higher Power help me if I cling to what is the current strife in my life? It can’t. This realization brought me back to Step Two in a new way. Do I trust my Higher Power or not? I sometimes get so hung up on trying to define my Higher Power, I withhold my trust and faith.

I searched out recovery writings about faith and trust, and this helped me to truly begin to “let go and let God.” What’s been super helpful is the reminder that all I need to do is ASK. My Higher Power will step in, but not without an invitation; you know, free will and everything. I’ve also found it helpful to speak out loud to my Higher Power when asking for divine guidance. Please guide my thoughts and my actions.

Final thought: Today, I ask my Higher Power to guide me so that I can be of service to myself and others.