“In recovery, we begin to develop a relationship with a Higher Power, or renew one that we once had.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 56

I walked into the rooms of Marijuana Anonymous alienated by the faith with which I was raised. Additionally, many newcomers are completely turned off by the references in our literature and from shares in meetings about God and Higher Power. This makes perfect sense in the context of being an addict with no experience or understanding of the program of Marijuana Anonymous. As an addict, the last thing that I personally wanted was someone telling me what to do, and I certainly didn’t want anyone telling me who and what to believe in.

Fortunately, those who keep coming back find out that they can believe in anything they want to, as long as it is a power greater than themselves. This is where the suggestions end. The relationship one has with a Higher Power is one of the most personal and fulfilling relationships one can cultivate in recovery. It needs no justification, no description, no explanation, no road map, and no discussion. It belongs to you, and if it works for you, God bless you.

Final thought: Today, I am open to building a relationship with a power greater than myself.