Step Three: Faith – Reflections On The 12 Steps Amidst Coronavirus

Coronavirus has instigated changes throughout most aspects of daily living, but the Twelve Steps of A.A. offer a design for living which is applicable in all circumstances. Each week we will be sharing staff reflections upon one of our recovery steps, as it relates to a corresponding principle. Previously, we’ve covered Step One and Step Two. This week, Brad G., Logan C., and Jake S., share on Step Three.

Step Three
“Make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

To me, the Third Step means entrusting my internal condition to God and the fellowship of A.A. If I allow external factors such as other people, or events that occur around me, to dominate my mind, then I’m going to be wrapped up in self. Of little or no use to others.
During COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been doing my part by taking direction to protect myself and others. I’ve also been doing a good deal of prayer work. Especially for guidance. I work in recovery and live in a community centered around it, so I think it’s important to be as careful and safe about things as possible. I cannot risk the wellbeing of others, which means taking care of myself. I lean heavily on the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, Discovery Place, and my community, and it’s from those sources that I find the best next actions for helping out.  Keeping Discovery Place, and all the people here at a low risk is top priority at the moment. This may mean sacrificing things that I want to do, but I’m okay with that.
Without this community I wouldn’t have the life I have today, and for that I am incredibly grateful. I will continue to trust in these guys and do whatever is asked of me to help them.

-Brad G.

 


When the quarantine first started, I slacked off on anything A.A. or God related. I had an idea that with all this happening in the world, I could “rest on my laurels,” as it says. The absence of meetings, work with others, and God reliance, really put me in a bad spot for a few days. Fortunately, I’ve been practicing the right things for a little while, and I realized the type of mindset I was in. I knew if was those same, old, simple things that I was neglecting – connecting with God through prayer work. After talking with my sponsor and making an effort to connect with God, it’s been a great quarantine and my recovery seems to be in great shape.

-Logan C.

 


I made a decision to turn my will and my life over to god. There were no stipulations when I made this decision. That means that I practice it even when it’s difficult or if I don’t want to. The world is going through a difficult time right now with the Coronavirus. The way I turn my will over now, isn’t so different than it was before this pandemic. Which means, taking suggestions from other people, and remembering that any time I think something isn’t right, I’m not living in God’s will.

Turning my will and life over to God means that I must trust him. Which is something I am very grateful to have during these hard times.  I trust that God has got me. Just like always, I have to listen to other people’s suggestions. And try to remember that my opinion and what I want are never the most important thing. I often think I know what is best, but God always does. If I follow him, keep my head down and listen to other people, I am much happier, and healthier. In a pandemic my recovery remains my best chance to remain sober and alive.

-Jake S.

 


Additional Resources:
Are you struggling with addiction recovery while in quarantine?
Everything may feel upside down, but recovery must continue. We’ve reached out to our alumni to encourage them and make suggestions, and you should benefit, too. Here’s how.

Are you unable to figure out Online Recovery Meetings?
It can be daunting trying to set up a camera, mic, or even just a computer. But you don’t have to. Here a way to join an online recovery meeting without hassle. 

How is Discovery Place responding to COVID-19?
While the disease of alcoholism and the consequences of addiction continue to threaten millions of lives, we’ve taken guidance from the CDC and implemented measures to ensure the safety of our guests.

Have questions about our recovery programs?
You might be interested in Discovery Place’s own treatment alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Alternative Recovery Program or our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call, let’s talk: 1-800-725-0922.

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