Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬

Entering into recovery means surrendering. Approaching this new way of life means restarting. For many of us this is precisely why we avoid it for so long.

Unable to imagine a reality which strips us of our ability to make sane choices for ourselves, we barrel into our insane, alcoholic future.

In rare moments of honest reflection it is apparent to us that we are helpless to the call of our addiction. We know no other way. And the suggestion to change course drastically is met with a willingness to plunge further into the bottle.

Helplessness feeds on our unwillingness.

In sobriety, we can trip over ourselves if we aren’t careful. After the years of perpetual turmoil, it is remarkably hard to let go of the helplessness that pushed us further downward.

We become responsible for action. We become capable of change. We become willing to invite help into our lives.

God moves through us like a cooling breeze. And we are encouraged by others to take action, to work the steps, to go to meetings.

Curiously, something in us pushes back against this from time to time. Sometimes the resistance is unbearable. We are compelled to come to a standstill. To isolate from this new way of life. To sink into contemplation and ultimately depression.

This unwanted helplessness takes unlearning through much doing. We have made a choice, and with God’s strength we are able to walk with purpose into this new way of living.

We will be needed by Him to help the next irresponsible, unwilling alcoholic. This is our responsibility and our lifeline.

God, thank you for the opportunity to get out of the spiral.