12 Steps: STEP TWO - Natural Sequence

STEP 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

READY FOR STEP TWO?

If you truly worked through step One then its time to move to the next step. The 12 Steps aren't just leaving the first one and onto the next. I view it more as sequence or an orderly method of gaining stability and normalcy. I will always need to refer to the previous steps in order to understand the others. The naturally progression to step two is a belief in a Power greater then us for restoration. Without knowing your life is out of control and admitting life is unglued it’s impossible to come to this step.

Do you suppose the entire reason we find ourselves in denial about our unmanageable lives is due to the need to appear perfect? Let's talk about the word "Perfection." Our pride says to admit mistake or shortcomings is more painful than living a lie. Is it really? That burden of appearance chokes the very freedom to live life sober. Besides, perfect may not actually be what the world media says it is.

What exactly does perfect mean to you? Here is the dictionary definition:

perfect  -  adjective

• having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be : she strove to be the perfect wife | life certainly isn't perfect at the moment.

• free from any flaw or defect in condition or quality; faultless: the equipment was in perfect condition.

• precisely accurate; exact: a perfect circle.

• highly suitable for someone or something; exactly right: Gary was perfect for her—ten years older and with his own career.

Notice that perfect means, "as good as it's possible to be" which means that YOU ARE REALLY OK! Perfect isn't never being wrong or making mistakes. As for "precisely accurate" isn't your life exactly what it is and how you were born into it good or bad? Certainly you can't change those things! I’d like to think of perfect as the polishing of a rough stone into a smooth one. It takes plenty of time and patience. Perhaps being free from flaw or defect, simply means it's no longer a secret and that it is ok to admit it, as in step one.

ACTING UPON STEP TWO 

For those finding or coming to Faith in *God to be restored, becomes a relief to know you don't have to be perfect in order to live your life. No matter what your upbringing or religious, non- religious beliefs this Step is important for sanity.

I believe taking the second step allows you to drop the heavy burden of mistakes, denial, perfection, or whatever load of pain you carry each day. Dropping your guilt, shame and anger gives you a chance to find a clean slate. As a Christian, I read in scripture that forgiveness, newness of life, absolution from mistakes, sins, and flaw is a solid promise written through out the New Testament. There is power in every aspect to let it all go to God, or who you perceive to be higher than you are. It's up to you to find your own beliefs.

So calm your soul, soothe your mind and slide into Step Two with trust, reward and relief.  To embrace this step

It's like being held, comforted and FORGIVEN, no matter what. Are you still fearful? Just try it... Bow your head and ask for help. When I think of belief in a Higher Power, the word kneel comes to mind. It's an attitude of humility, an absence of pride. Then tell about what you experience, if not me, then someone you trust!

[*Higher Power as you understand it]

I looked up books pertaining to the 12 Steps and various religions these were the ones found. Curiously there were no Islamic, Atheist or other mainstream major religions found with the terms 12 Step + _______ {religion name}. This doesn't mean there are not books, just not found on Amazon today. 
Here are some 12 Step results with religious or spiritual themes:

• The Twelve Steps for Christians
• Twelve Jewish Steps to Recovery
• The 12-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction
• 12 Steps: A Spiritual Journey (Tools for Recovery)
• God as we understand Him: a film about faith and the Twelve Step movement
• The Circle of Life - The Alcoholic Recovery Workbook
• The 12 Steps : A Way Out : A Spiritual Process for Healing
• Walking with God through the 12 Steps

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