On Tuesdays, a small group of RVing women friends and I gather for worship, praise, prayer and fellowship. For several weeks we’ve been praying for someone very close to me who’s been struggling with a problem not unlike my own with alcoholism. I was visiting with her yesterday, and she had many questions about that, when I started drinking, what got me into recovery, AA meetings were like, etc. I’ve attended a few during the time I’ve been here, and my friend knows how much I like going. I told her that the reason I go is because I can identify with everyone there; we all have the same problem. She wished there was a group like that for her, and I said there probably was. I had heard that there was a 12-Step program for every situation and I know why. It’s a proven program that’s worked for millions of people like me.
I couldn’t let go of the idea. Was there a 12-Step program for people with her problem? The answer wasn’t too hard to find: there is a program, and it’s called Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous. I was so grateful! I delved into the website and was excited about sharing the discovery with my friend. To my surprise, she was initially skeptical–at least, up until I told her that their textbook was akin to my Big Book, and that it included stories written by people who were once in the same situation she’s in. By the expression on her face, I knew that it was the latter that had made an impression. I was so grateful!
I’m grateful that I can share my experience, strength and hope with others even though our situations are different…for all recovery programs, including 12-Step programs, treatment facilities and others…for my Tuesday friends with whom I pray…and most especially, for the power of prayer!
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ~1 John 5:14
