Abraham Lincoln once said, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.”
Certainly, one of the most powerful remarks I’ve ever read. It really made me think about how I view God and my relationship with my Higher Power. I find it ironic that since the beginning of my recovery, my use of alcohol and heroin would bring me to a point that I truly desired to understand my relationship with God, and to seek a stronger relationship with Him. As a juvenile I was privy to many religious backgrounds and beliefs. I am Catholic, went to Baptist Bible camp, and was a member of a Christian (non-denominational) group in High School. I always thought I had a good concept of who God is. It wasn’t until I had destroyed everything in my life that my Spiritual journey actually began. I often wonder, if I hadn’t become an addict would I have just continued on the fringe of getting to know God? Would I have searched any deeper? Maybe, maybe not. It is only through God’s grace that I am here now. I am not here to promote any religion. My only hope would be that your Higher Power promotes Good Orderly Direction. For years I have wrestled with the idea that, if I truly believed in God as maker of the Universe, all powerful and all knowing, how could I have possibly done the things I’ve done to promote my addiction. How could I steal from those who love me? How could I stick poison in my arm? How could I neglect my beautiful, innocent children so I could go out for hours each day to find drugs? If I hadn’t done these things would I have just continued on the fringe of getting to know God? Very possibly so. I still have so much to learn and gain on this journey. My Faith is still in it’s infancy. When I meditate my mind just wonders. Progress, not perfection. I have seen so many alcoholics and addicts in recovery grow in their spirituality I Know it works. When I ask, they often tell me, “You’re right where you’re supposed to be.” As long as I don’t go backwards I’m heading in the right direction. It’s pretty simple, as long as can follow Good Orderly Direction, God and those folks in recovery that follow Good Orderly Direction, then I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be!