Lesson #4 Sanity (1 of 2) - For God Fore His Glory

I would like to welcome you to For God, Fore His Glory, and invite you to join me on the road to Emmaus. Of course, this is a spiritual journey but one uniquely designed with you in mind. It doesn’t matter what road you are walking the Lord will accompany you. Information has been made available for you to read and determine what is of interest and applies to you. This information is not meant to overwhelm; quite the opposite, it is meant to enlighten and empower as it has done for me.

My purpose for sharing has a threefold intent: (1) That God’s love would radically impact lives, (2) That eyes and ears, hearts and hands would open so ALL that God desires to personally bestow would be received, and (3) That knowing God and His Word and His loving-kindness would result in negativity just naturally losing ground/control in our lives because strongholds would be broken by the resurrection power of the Spirit of the Lord.

It makes no difference who you are, what your personal beliefs or where you call home we arall functioning in some fashion in the error deception causes. And of course, if we knew we’ve been deceived then it wouldn’t be deception. With this in mind, there is no way we could possess the “IN-TO-ME-SEE” knowledge that only the Spirit of Truth can reveal about ourselves and God and our human condition. There are so many things to learn like feelings and beliefs are not facts. Please don’t let offense sway you, for what is generated by offense: Discomfort, upset, anger, insult, sin, shame, disapproval…rises from deep within us and works against us.

My heart’s desire is to share knowledge of God and His Word, Christ Jesus, so you too can find rest for your soul. Our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors and beliefs have been affected by negativity – Fear, pride, anger, rejection, rebellion, bitterness…the list is long and can prove debilitating.

Revelation 12:11 says, “We overcome the forces of evil by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.” Now a testimony can offer encouragement and hope, but it cannot provide what’s absolutely essential a profound personal impact. Nor can a personal impact bring about lasting change, for that can only be accredited to a miraculous metamorphosis: Spiritual Transformation. For the Lord has surely said:

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,”
Zechariah 4:7

If anger, fear, unforgiveness, resentment…are present, then true compassion, kindness, respect…for self and others will in some measure be lacking. This life-changing transformation is not about plastic surgery or weight loss. Outward appearance is what people look at, but God sees the appearance of our heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

We possess a very special knack for making what is wrong seem right. Not before, not during but afterwards, when the heat of onus (reproach, admonishment) occurs, the heart responds though the flushing of shame and guilt and embarrassment may not. How the heart manipulates thought and feeling to do what it desires. But, what can’t be manipulated; instead, only obscured by denying, rationalizing, justifying, comparisons…the crimson stains sin places on our soul.

A life-changing transformation is accomplished when God and His Word and Holy Spirit recreate (restore, renew, revive) our spiritual being! Their work won’t be seen or felt it will become evident when we’re thinking, behaving, believing somewhat differently.

FINE – Favorable, Illuminating, Noteworthy, Effectual

Adjustments are made, for God imparts spiritual gifts – Faith, truth, wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, healing, counsel, fear of the Lord, joy, peace, discernment of spirits….Gifts that change us from the inside out so we can: Arise and shine when heaven’s Light comes and the glory of the Lord rises upon us (Isaiah 60:1).

How can what injures so personally be overcome if a different perspective cannot be viewed? Paul explains this better than I can: I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. I have discovered this principle of life – That when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong (Romans 7:15,19,21). Now there are so many who have been abused unjustly, and I’m sorry. You did nothing to do deserve such mistreatment.

But, there are answers. There is hope. What has holistic harmful effects – Anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred…from the bondage of such powerful forces we can be released. Psalm 146:3-5 says: Blessed are those who seek God’s help, whose hope and trust is in the Lord their God. Why? No mortal man can save, when their spirit departs, they return to the ground. On that very day their plans come to nothing. But a child of God will overcome them, because the One Who is in them, Holy Spirit, is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

God’s plan, His purpose spans throughout time and eternity! There is much to discuss with this being the motivator – Knowledge is power. A power we need because there is much that comes against us. And though you may not be very familiar with the Lord, Jesus Christ, God’s Word will strengthen you (Isaiah 45:5-7). So you too can hear Him say, “Friend, move up to a better place,” (Luke 14:10). So you too can be among those who come to know Him with a deep, instinctive, personal affection as for a close friend (John 21:17 Amp).

Truly, we could all use such a Friend who is faithful, and works to strengthen and protect us not only from the evil one so we won’t be outwitted, but also as I have learned despite ourselves, for we’re unaware of the devil’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Jesus is a friend we can have confidence in. Acts 10:38 tells us Jesus of Nazareth went around doing good and healing ALL who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him. God anointed Jesus with the power of Holy Spirit. He offered the kindness of a friend to everyone.

God has given us His Word, and Jesus has revealed His Father’s great compassion for mankind. The problem, which is made quite apparent just by turning on the news, knowledge of Gods’ loving-kindness may be lacking for all sorts of reasons: but, what’s absent is personal experience, and this is what this journey offers.

How can we come to know the One Who directs our heart into God’s love and His perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:3)? How would we come to believe it is the hand of God that sustains us (Psalm 89:21)? How can we pass through those gates to walk the Way God has prepared and chosen for the people (Isaiah 62:10) without knowing the thoughts and feelings the Word of Truth, Christ Jesus shares?

If you invest time in this precious commodity God has given us – Time, then most definitely interest will grow! Come along! Embark on a personal journey on the road to Emmaus, which means a warm spring and mule. Luke 24:13 tells of two men who had left Jerusalem, which includes this meaning: To flow as water, to point out, to teach, which was about seven miles from their destination – Emmaus.

Along the way they were discussing everything that had happened that day. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. When asked what they were discussing, they stood still, their faces downcast and said: “Do you not know the things that have happened these days in Jerusalem?”

“About Jesus of Nazareth, He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. He was crucified. We had hoped He was the One Who was going to redeem Israel. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said Jesus was alive. Some of our companions went to the tomb, and found it was just as the women had said, they did not see Him.”

The Man walking with them said, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” Then, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.

They strongly urged the stranger to stay with them for the day was almost over, so He went in to stay with them. The Man sat with them at the table, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them, when their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus, Who disappeared from their sight. They asked each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked to us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned to Jerusalem to find the eleven and those with them saying: “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon?”

While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said:

“Peace be with you!”

This is what God wants us to have peace of mind and heart, which His Word freely bestows. Jesus appeared to the one who denied Him not once but three times – Peter. How many times have we behaved in ways that have caused us to feel ashamed? All that is said about this time Jesus spent with Peter is exactly what those men said: It is true the Lord has appeared to Simon. Why? We each need His personal attention. We desperately need His individual and compassionate care. Anger, denial, rejection in words cannot prevent Jesus from coming to us. It’s a heart filled with anger and deception and wantonness that places distance between the Lord and ourselves.

Jesus may be a complete stranger to you, or He may be as those two men thought a Prophet, but it wasn’t until they became familiar with God’s Word that Truth was able to emerge and Christ, the Anointed One, was truly recognized.

Time flows like a spring of water, but a mule can’t be led to drink. And, like sands through an hourglass, so are the days of our lives. We can’t change the past or what tomorrow will bring, but we don’t have to be stuck or stymied by stubbornness or rejection or fear.

Jesus invites us to walk with Him in miraculous realms. This may stir your spirit, but there is much about us that robs us of experiencing its reality. Quite possibly there’s a mountain of obstacles that must be moved, but God is the only one who can help us overcome our ordinary life perspectives so extraordinary accomplishments can be realized and achieved.

Only God can accomplish what is impossible for us, and this is the mission He sets us on – Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery, and there is so much to discover. For God has designed a process that promises transformation will just naturally occur:

ASK SEEK KNOCK

For this is God’s promise, ask it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; those who seek shall find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8).

Know, there are multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14) so I ask what is your decision? Are you willing to seek a friendship with Jesus? In Isaiah 26:7 the Message Bible identified the Lord as the Leveler, Who stops us at the crossroads so we can look around (Jeremiah 6:16), and give thought. Consider well your decision, to develop a friendship with the One Whose righteousness levels and evens a path in this fallen world with Truth and Grace so we can linger, for it is sign-posted with His decisions (Isaiah 26:7 The Message).

Praise God! The Lord desires to show you a more excellent way!
1 Corinthians 12:31

God’s Word reveals the One, Who offers Peace instead of confusion; Truth instead of our patterns of denial; Understanding instead of ignorance; Wisdom instead of foolishness; Righteousness instead of error; the Way to an abundant Life. Where fear is overcome by Love, for God is love! And His desire is to fill us with His Word so we not only come to know, but receive all the benefits that result from knowing the only One Who is Good (Matthew 19:17). For we are surely very familiar with the drawbacks and disadvantages of knowing evil!

The information I share has not been gained by just reading books, though the knowledge I received from them was essential. I also share what is based on experience. A lifetime of experiences has been woven together by the only One who could accomplish such a miraculous life-changing feat – Supplanting (usurping, displacing, cutting out) fear with Love and Power and the Soundness of Mind that God’s Word of Truth bestows.

Our will, our words, our emotions are powerful for how we think and feel generates action. However, what cannot be disputed there are only ever two choices: Good or Evil, Life or Death, Peace or Discord, Right or Wrong…and two wrongs will never make things right. And, unfortunately our heart and the ways of this world keep us bound to self-interest, and many lessons are being learned the hard way.

If there was interest in the image God created us to be, then it would be possible for the likeness of the Lord to be seen. For then, we’d better understand how our prideful nature really does set us up for failure. For the first Adam became for us a living soul; however, the second Adam, Christ Jesus, became for us a Life-Giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).

So much interest has been invested in the standards of this world, and as a result, moral and ethical, social and work-related decorum (civility, correctness) is not only being trampled, the techniques-of-deceptions are readily being used. Yes, the white-washing of denial: Rationalizing, justifying, minimizing, accusing, blaming, excusing… is being applied in attempts to cover wrong-doing. Prayer was removed from schools and metal detectors are being installed. What is being gained? What is being lost? What really matters?

OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES MATTER!

Every person born on earth is automatically enrolled in the world’s school of hard knocks. However, a choice must be made to enroll in Holy Spirit’s Academy “Transformational Life.” Jesus shows Love and saves – Not by bow, sword or battle by horses and soldiers, but by the Lord God (Hosea 1:7), by the power and authority of God’s Word. He brings us victory over any enemy (anger, addiction, fear, shame, guilt, hatred, offense, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness…)! He will put these adversaries of ours to shame (Psalm 44:6).

Along with Knowledge, Understanding and Insight, Holy Spirit gives us everything we may need to overcome and rise above those things that come against us. No matter our circumstances and whatever our differences God’s Word will always help us.

A banner has been set up for those who fear and worshipfully revere God; a standard displayed because of the Truth (Psalm 60:4). Twenty-five lessons are being offered that to date have evolved from a 30-year process of growing and gaining knowledge of God’s Word of Truth, Christ Jesus. During those early years, my mouth was filled with empty talk since insight and discernment were simply not a concern. Too much time was devoted to earning approval, seeking acceptance and validation in order to feel valued, in order to feel loved.

Countless attempts were made to protect and defend against all the regrets, disappointments and failures of my yesterdays, while at the same time being hindered even, impeded by the fear I projected into my tomorrows. Working to earn the love and respect of others; however, going about it with character deficits and learned behaviors that caused people to be put off. Unable to recognize the Truth of our human condition, so surely not realizing how flawed my efforts and how unrealistic my expectations.

I was being frightened and made off-balanced by my own doings: Critical, disrespectful, judgmental and self-righteous opinions and attitudes that absolutely affected, while also infecting my soul, my spirit, my way of thinking with diseases such as codependency, people-pleasing, the confusion and fear and deep-rooted anger that emotional traumas generate.

So much fear and confusion amassed since childhood wanting to please and be accepted, to be valued and loved. Trying to cope; yet, deluged over and over by the uncertainties of life. How difficult to remain even-keeled when feelings specific to self-interest are unpredictable and fragile, and so easily injured by the teeter-tottering of emotion.

I was made aware of God’s process for transformation while going through the upset and emotional trauma adversity causes. I would not wish such adversity on anyone, but I have personally experienced, like so many of us have, the turmoil and pain that stubbornness and trusting my ways were actually better causes.

Hurting people hurt people intentionally and not so intentionally, we still get hurt. There’s an insanity involved in all of this when we’re doing the same things over and over yet expecting, hoping, praying for a different result. God can’t snap His fingers so our learned behaviors could be removed. The result would be like suffering a form of amnesia, with this essential component unrecognizable: What we really, truly believe. But God, He is very aware of the purpose and potential He has placed in us, and He is very willing to birth new Life within us!

If your interest has been peaked, I pray you consider taking part in these lessons and receive whatever God is waiting to impart. Each lesson has the title given to it by Pastor John Baker, so steps can be taken, twelve, that will take us further than we could have hoped or imagined. Like Jacob who wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, and afterwards received the new name Israel, which represents his change of character; we too can experience miraculous changes when the strength and power of God’s Word is known.

Yes! These steps have been established so we can walk into realms of understanding with Holy Spirit as our Guide, as we set off on this journey of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery. There are principles Pastor Rick Warren established, eight in all, that will provide support and protection, as spiritual guardrails, during this process of our becoming more God-dependent rather than codependent. For then, we can truly experience what it means to celebrate Renewal, to Celebrate Recovery, to celebrate friendship with God, Who seats us in heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6), and does immeasurably more for us than what we could ever think or ask (Ephesians 3:20).

The first key is to maintain an honest view of the spiritual reality God wants us to know. Begin by not only considering circumstances and events as substantial, but by becoming aware of the substance of Truth – the Life, the Alpha and Omega, the heart and spirit as we work on taking steps of faith remembering, proclaiming:

God exists and I matter to Him
That God could and would if He were sought

Admitting I am powerless
If God is your co-pilot, switch seats

Acknowledging in certain areas my life became unmanageable –
Sorrow shared is halved; Joy shared is doubled

Believing God will restore me with Love, a Sound Mind and Power –
Success means getting your BUT out of the way

Believing God will help me stay committed to this decision to put all of who I am
Into His possession and safekeeping –
There is no magic in this process of renewal and recovery only miracles

Believing the Word of God will encourage, support and strengthen me
As I make a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself
There is pain in this process. Misery is optional

Because of God’s loving-kindness I have become willing to admit to God,
To myself and another person the exact nature of my wrongs
The road to resentment is paved with expectation

With Truth as my solid foundation, I have become entirely ready to have God remove
All my defects of character
Courage is faith that has said its prayers

Having received faith and hope and love for the Surety God has given
I humbly ask Him to remove my shortcomings
F.A.I.T.H. = Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him

Having gained knowledge and insight and understanding I have become willing
To make a list of anyone I have harmed, and to make an amends to them all
Just for today I will try to live through this day only,
And not tackle my whole life problems at once

Having gained confidence and trust in God’s refuge I have become willing to step out
With the mindset I am doing this with God and for His glory to make my amends
Whenever possible unless to do so would cause injury to others
Remembering nothing is going to happen today that you and God can’t handle

I embrace my covenant relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by continuing
To take a personal moral inventory, and when I am wrong being prompt to admit it
We are not human beings having spiritual experiences;
We are spiritual beings having human experiences

I invest in my relationship with God by communicating through prayer and meditation
To improve my conscious contact with Him seeking knowledge of His will
And the power of grace to carry that out
If God seems far away, who moved?

I seek Revival, Restoration and Reconciliation, a spiritual awakening, as a result of taking
Seps to carry God’s message to others and to practice these principles in all my affairs
Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change.
Prayer is a conversation with God about things He can change!

Within each lesson information from the following sources has been included:

Co-Dependent No More Melody Beatty
Beyond Co-Dependency Melody Beatty
Codependents Guide to the Twelve Steps Melody Beatty
The Trauma Zone R. Dandridge Collins, PH.D
Breaking Free Pia Mellody & Andrea W. Miller
Celebrate Recovery Leader’s Guide John Baker

Denial is the first of 25 lessons incorporated into our journey of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery, an undertaking that will make you ride high and soar above what disillusions and shames. You’ll be free to enjoy God (Isaiah 58:14 Message)! Honoring the Lord in what we do, not following our own desires and pleasures, not talking idly. Then the Lord will be our delight! He will see to it we each receive our full share of blessings as God’s will is being done to Refresh, Replenish and Revive – a spiritual Rebirth – as His purpose is given definition: Rebirth. The English Language Learners helps us to better understand:

1. The act or process of becoming healthy after an illness or injury; the act or process of
recovering INNER HEALING

2. The act or process of returning to a normal state after a period of difficulty

DELIVERANCE

3. The return of something that has been lost, stolen, etc.

SALVATION

Denial has been defined as:
- A false system of beliefs that are not based on reality
- And a self-protecting behavior that keeps us from honestly facing the Truth

—

The Psalms have been my prayers, and I asked: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,” Psalm 139:23-2. For surely Lord, “You desire truth in the inner parts; therefore, teach me Your wisdom in the inmost place,” Psalm 51:6.

The Lord answered and sent me on this journey of inner healing and recovery, and it’s my pleasure to share the discoveries I have made with you. Within each section the amassed information emanates its own distinct findings and encouragement; however, when worked and melded together, like a kaleidoscope, they offer radiant portrayals of God’s love and concern for our overall well-being. For this quest is one designed with the support of God’s Word, which provides a solid foundation one not swayed by opinion or emotion for this sole purpose: Life changing breakthroughs would be experienced!

The Message Bible tells us not to shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of us. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ (Colossians 3:2).

Yes, the Son of God has come and offers us knowledge, insight and understanding, so that we may know Him Who is True (1 John 5:20a); Who said:

“I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear, to be in awe and wonder of Me, so that they will never turn away from Me. I will rejoice in doing them good with all My heart and soul. I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord,”
Jeremiah 32:40.

This is God’s testimony: He gives us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (1 John 5:11). And this is eternal life: That they may know the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom He has sent (John 17:3).

Praise God! It took time but I received this Good News, and now I know that Jesus, God’s Word of Truth and Life and Grace, continues to walk on earth accomplishing the miraculous so we can open our eyes and see, open our mouths and taste how good God truly is (Psalm 34:8). The Lord doesn’t leave us lame, He becomes our Righteousness making us upright, putting us in right standing with God (1 Corinthians 1:30), for He desires the upright to see His face (Psalm 11:7), and share in His glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14). This is why He says:

“Come now, let us reason together.”

Are you aware of the exchanges God was able to make for you through His Son?

Jesus was condemned that you might be forgiven
Jesus was wounded that you might be healed
Jesus was made sin for your sinfulness, that you might be made upright by His
righteousness
Jesus tasted death for you that you might receive everlasting life
Jesus was made a curse that you might receive an abundance of blessings
Jesus endured poverty that you might prosper and be in health even as your soul
prospers
Jesus bore your shame that you might receive His glory
Jesus endured rejection that you might know God’s acceptance
Jesus was cut off that you might be united with your heavenly Father
Jesus laid His life down so you could be made alive in Him

This is why I have prayed over this outreach – For God, Fore His Glory – that it would be as a beacon that signals safe refuge in the arms of Jesus, while holding out to all – the Word of Life (Philippians 2:15 TLB); which is a Beacon for sound advice; a Light that emanates good teaching; a Life path of moral and corrective discipline (Proverbs 6:23).

There is much that has been lost, given away and taken from us. This time is God-given for you to recover from the abuse and trouble and harsh (codependent) servitude you have endured (Isaiah 14:3 The Message). This time is God-given for you to discover tools, keys and truths that will work to free you from the chains of injustice and the cords of that yoke (cruel and
abusive exploitations of this world). To set free those who are oppressed (dominated, coerced, belittled, demeaned); and break every yoke (anger, hatred, prejudice, lust, greed…). (Isaiah 58:6-9).

All that’s needed is a willingness to say Jesus,

“Here I am! I’d like to be Your friend.”

This is the God-given time to be edified so any falsehood in which you have been living can be identified, and those things weighing you down can be removed. Along this course of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery, I saw myself walking down a very brightly lit white corridor, and as I navigated through each and every step, following principles, receiving what these lessons imparted, I saw myself setting things down – emotional baggage. Ridding myself of self-blame and shame and guilt. I was learning the difference between accountability and responsibility what was mine and what was not. I was learning to be patient, respectful and kind to myself, to take care of my side of the street, to live one day at a time.

There is a lot of information; however, remember to keep in mind this material is meant to work in your behalf to release you from character deficits and self-destructive behaviors that are harm-filled one step at a time; one day at time (a process). And, if assistance is needed for one moment, one hour at a time, God’s Word will always be there to support and empower. That you might recover cheerfulness and encouraging strength and know gladness (Psalm 39:13) and wonderful times of refreshment that God sends from heaven, the presence of the Lord
(Acts 3:19 TLB).

This information is life changing! For you will grow in knowledge and confidence knowing, trusting, believing – God loves you; and it is God Who will help you remain confident in His love for you as He helps you to apply what pertains to you and your life at this present time. God will help you reclaim your power from the likes of fear or anger or issues of control that we have empowered for such a long, long time. And what’s so very sad, the empowerment we provide the forces of negativity is being used to inflict harm against ourselves and others.

So I encourage you, no matter how simple or complex the circumstance you face – keep in mind there are only two choices – two directions in which to go. My prayer, my hope is you choose daily to continue on God’s mission of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery. Come, travel its paths and find rest for your soul (Jeremiah 6:16). Discover God is a fountain of Truth (John 3:33). Discover His words and live, really live; body and soul, you’ll burst with health (Proverbs 4:22) as this discovery is made – Who you really are, and your place in God’s family (Matthew 5:9).

STEP TWO

(WHILE SEEKING FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS)
WE CAME TO BELIEVE THAT A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES
COULD RESTORE US TO SANITY

“For it is God Who works in you to will and to act according
To His good purpose,” Philippians 2:13

PRINCIPLE TWO

EARNESTLY BELIEVE THAT GOD EXISTS, THAT I MATTER TO HIM
AND THAT HE HAS THE POWER TO HELP ME RECOVER

“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,”

LESSON FOUR
SANITY
PART ONE

The second step tells us that we have come to believe a Power greater than
ourselves could
- Restore us to Sanity
As a result of admitting our powerlessness
- We can move from chaos to Hope
Hope comes when we believe that a Power greater than ourselves, our Higher
Power can and will
- Restore us
- Help us heal and recover

Our Higher Power provides us with Power, where we were powerless over
- Our addictions
- Compulsive behaviors
Our Higher Power can restore
- Order
- Meaning to our lives
Our Higher Power can restore us to Sanity

This step is a step out of
- Our darkness
- Our bad habits and
- Behaviors
This is a step into healing, and realizing we have choices
- We don’t have to think it necessary to
  - Control
  - Feel trapped in our
    - Depression
    - Fears
The greatest realization about this step
- No matter what we want and need done in our lives
  - We do not have to do it by ourselves
  - We don’t have to use our will to change ourselves
  - We don’t have to try so hard
  - We can turn to a Power greater than ourselves

We don’t have to begin with a complex understanding of our Higher Power
We don’t have to begin with detailed ideas about what we want accomplished in
our lives and how that should happen
We can start where we are with
- Whatever amount of belief or disbelief we have
We start by believing
- We can and will be restored to Sanity
We open ourselves to the
- Help
- Loving care
- Guidance
- Power of God

We come to believe we will be healed
- The tools we need to be healed will come into our lives

God is fundamental to our renewal (inner healing) and recovery,
and fundamental to the
- Mental
- Emotional
- Cognitive
- Spiritual
  - The soul-level change and healing we’re seeking
We do certain things to change, but essentially
- We are changed and it is
  - A spiritual process
We can come to these steps with our
- Fears
- Prejudices
- Needs
- Desires
  - We still find inner healing and recovery
Because of our experiences with people, we may enter into this journey with
- Contorted
- Fearful
- Sometimes rigid
- Shame-based understandings of God
Because of our experiences with people
- We may fear God
Because we have experienced unpleasant dealings with a person or people
- We may have reservations about certain religious denominations

Some people come seeking inner healing and recovery because an experience
with someone in a religious system had the same destructive impact on
them as a
- Dysfunctional family system
A relationship with God will help us experientially understand
- We don’t have to force or control the process of our inner
  healing and recovery
Coming into relationship with God will help us experientially understand
- We can do our best to work these steps
  - Peacefully allowing change to happen

During this step, as we come to truly believe in a Power greater than ourselves
- We can get through situations around us, within us or both
This step will help us come to believe that we can develop a
- Sane
- Gentle
- Kind approach to
  - Ourselves
  - Life
  - Others
    - No matter what our past and present circumstances
This step means
- We no longer have to limit our future by our past

The Second Step gives us HOPE and LIGHT

We can become grounded on that new level of believing a Power
greater than ourselves can and will restore us to sanity by doing this
WE CREATE THE SPACE FOR CHANGE TO HAPPEN

WE STOP EMPOWERING THE PROBLEM

Working this step simply means THINKING a Power greater than ourselves can and
will restore us to sanity
- Giving it whatever degree-of-validity you can at that moment
Work this step and think about a Higher Power restoring you to sanity when those
old
- Negative thoughts
- Beliefs
- Fear
  - Begin to control you

Unfortunately, we may know from personal experience that some deeds are so
despicable the only sensible thing to do, so it would seem
- Forget they ever happened
Some pain is so great it would also seem the best thing to do would be
- Bury it
- Never bring the subject up again
Determined to keep our sin and shame undercover
Motivated by fear to maintain a code of silence that is simply powerless to
quiet the internal unrest provoked by CRITICISM that
- Berates
- Reproaches
- Belabors our faults and weaknesses
An ongoing struggle ensues to
- Be strong
- Keep up appearances
  - Hiding the true situation and pretending that all is going well
  - Being a good soldier
    - Anxieties grow spurring
      - Despair
      - Dread
        To escalate
ALL CONSEQUENCES OF ACTING INDEPENDENTLY FROM GOD

Trauma has a way of emptying out our emotional bank account
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Exploitation
  - Wounds
  - Damages
  - Destroys in so many ways
A person can become spiritually bankrupt if the sidekicks of trauma
- Shame
- Regret
- Guilt…
  - Are allowed to silence them

SECRECY is powerful
Secrecy keeps you cornered by your pain
- Cut off
- Shut off
- Alienated
- Estranged
Holding on to secrets keeps the burden of the responsibility on the sufferer
- NOT on the person who created the suffering
Secrets maintain the status-quo
Secrets anchor you in the emotional upset of trauma
Secrecy is rooted in
- Fear
- Isolation
- Shame that ultimately
  - Fills you with emotional poison

Shame is an emotion that cries out
- “Something is wrong with me”
Shame makes you want to hide
Shame is a breeder-of-secrets
Fear preys on the core belief that nothing would be worse then
- Telling the truth
Rape and incest are unsettling words
- Words that demand to be spoken
The actual deeds of abuse, whether it be
- Sexual
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
  - Must be brought out into the light of Truth
    - Not swept under a rug because they keep you
      anchored in the emotional upset of trauma

Giving a voice to your story is an ESSENTIAL part of your healing journey
A person who is being controlled by their pain believes their world would
fall apart if the truth were told
- When given a voice Truth brings about an opposite outcome
Why??? Fears fall apart when faced
- Secrets lose their potency
  - When you stand tall and tell your story
Truth does not mind inspection
Staying in our
- Shame
- Guilt
- Remorse
  - Will NEVER lead us to healing
Transformation comes from breaking out of our prisons of
- Despair
- Isolation
We can ask for help
- We can receive the support we need
Working this step tells us we do not and cannot restore ourselves
Working this step tells us we may love to control and manage
- NOT because we are bad and defective
  - We are protective, and feel so afraid of letting go

This step reminds us
- WE CANNOT AND DO NOT RESTORE OURSELVES

This Second Step opens us to a better way
- A gentler, kinder way out of confusion
  - Even when we cannot see that way
Working this step means
- We must muster enough faith and humility to trust
  - A Power greater than ourselves can and will do this for us
Working this step teaches us that faith in a Power greater than ourselves
is well placed
- Indeed, far better placed than looking to our own resources

While working this Step we begin to acknowledge to ourselves, and to our
Higher Power it is good to know that when it comes to secrets,
- Silence is not golden
Stand firm on this personal decree:

TODAY I AM BEING PROVIDED WITH THE TOOLS
TO EXIT FROM THE GRIP OF MY EMOTIONAL TRAUMA

I am being helped to understand that I may need to unload some secrets to
- Leave behind the experiences that have weighed me down for so long
Wisdom and a discerning heart is being bestowed to me so I might make good
choices concerning who I share my story with
The right words will be given to me at the
- Right time
- Right place
Today the REMOVAL of the spirit of fear
- Which has kept me isolated
  - HAS BEGUN
The courage I need to
- Face my secrets
- Boldly speak the Truth
  - Has been granted, and by the grace of God
    - I will march forward. Amen (So Be It)

We can work this step and think about a Higher Power Who is willing to
- Help you detach
- Instead of becoming absorbed in other people and their issues
- What they’re doing
- Not doing and
  - The anger
  - The hurt that causes you to experience
Work this step THINKING about a Power greater than yourself is ready to
- Help you learn to accept your anger and hurt
- Not dwell on them to the point of losing focus of yourself
Work this step believing a Power greater than yourself will help to bring
- Balance into your life so you are not dwelling on others
  and their issues to the point of OBSESSION
Work this step believing in a Higher Power Who can and will help us
- When we are tired of those efforts that do not work
- When feeling hopeless
- When tangled up in
  - Unmanageability
  - Compulsive efforts to control something that
    - CANNOT be controlled

God, You know me so well. You created me. You know the number of hairs on my head,
And You even know the thoughts conceived in my heart before I ever vocalize them.
You’ve told us to come to You and ask for every need of life. You are Jehovah-Rapha,
The God Who heals, and You have the final word on my destiny,

There’s so much I don’t understand about life. But I do know that with one touch,
One word, You can make me whole. Please forgive me of my sins,
Cleanse me of my unrighteousness and begin Your healing from the inside out.
Rebecca Barlow Jordan