Fear… of economic insecurity will leave us. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
Having fear reduced or eliminated and having economic circumstances improve, are two different things. When I was new in A.A., I had those two ideas confused. I thought fear would leave me only when I started making money. However, another line from the Big Book jumped off the page one day when I was chewing on my financial difficulties: “For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never preceded.”(p. 127). I suddenly understood that this promise was a guarantee. I saw that it put priorities in the correct order, that spiritual progress would diminish that terrible fear of being destitute, just as it diminished many other fears. Today I try to use the talents God gave me to benefit others. I’ve found that is what others valued all along. I try to remember that I no longer work for myself. I only get the use of the wealth God created, I never have “owned” it. My life’s purpose is much clearer when I just work to help, not to possess.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I struggle with economic fear. My spouse has much of her retirement tied up in a “storage,” (she is a hoarder), house and property in another city. We are both retired but she continues to pay taxes and utilities on that property. All major expenses, including mortgage for the place we lives then falls on me.
I just now realize again that I am whining. All I am doing is making excuses and blaming. And all the whining is not going to bring me the big cheese. I must somehow learn not to justify myself by making excuses and complaining.
I have to let go and let god! I’m working on it – but this is another difficult step for me to take. Of course as an alcoholic, control was the name of the game and I had to be on top.
Ever so slowly that promise mention will be realized – KEEP DRIVING GOD!! I am fortunate to have what I have, I could have nothing – there are so many in that boat.
I pray to the god of my understanding: Please God help me stop, complain, blaming and making excuses. What I have is what I have.
I’ve been complaining for a month now because my job is not letting me work. Yesterday, in a meeting someone reminded me that my wealth, my job and everything else that I consider MINE is not. Today, I work for God (my higher power) and I don’t need to get my fill from outside STUFF – I can get it inside with him. Thank God I get to continue to be sober and learn….
Basically, I do have economic fear— actually me and my wife were arguing over this today. I must be reminded that 1)if everyone puts their problems on the table, I will be very quick to take mine back and 2) I need to have more step 3 in my life. I need to stop worrying about getting ahead and help others more.
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