One Step at a Time. . .On the Journey
RecoveryThis past week, as I was walking through the McKee Room at the church, I noticed the easel board with some interesting thoughts written on it. It was entitled "Your Time for Recovery.""Recovery takes time. A Lifetime. And that's good, not bad, because recovery is more than just getting clean & sober. In its broadest, most meaningful sense recovery is the process of becoming the person you want to be. . .the person you were meant to be."I just stood there and thought, "That is powerful. Wow."St. Philip's (corner of 6th & Main in Laurel, Md) offers three weekly Twelve-Step meetings:Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Smart Recovery (women only)--McKee Room (between Admin wing & worship space)Fridays at 7:00 p.m. NA Meeting--Wyatt Hall (parish hall on left side of campus as you face the church from Main Street)Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Smart Recovery--Wyatt Hall Conference Room
Unintentional WitnessThroughout my life, I have known many people who are recovering--from alcohol or drugs--or whose loved ones have. Some of those folks have been part of support groups for spouses whose wives or husbands drink or use. Some are Adult Children of Alcoholics. About a year and a half ago, I officiated at a funeral at Donaldson's Funeral Home for a young man who had overdosed on heroin--and although I never go "rogue" at a funeral, especially one where I don't know folks--I opened my mouth, and I guess the Holy Spirit had some things to say. Well, I'll blame Her anyway. I stood there, wondered for about two seconds what in the world I was going to say, then took my time. I said that people make decisions that affect their own lives, and the lives of other people. It was not fair that this mother had to bury her child, or that these siblings had to lose a brother. That it takes a support system to make it in life. And then I pretty much said that one of the most courageous thing a person could do was to admit he or she is powerless, and ask for help. To my amazement, from the middle of the room, a young man called out "Amen sister!" I was taken a bit aback.Yet this support encouraged me. I continued, "As a matter of fact, there is an NA Meeting tonight down at St. Philip's, and anyone who wants to go would be welcome there." I said a few other things, and concluded the service with a blessing, as I usually do.As I headed out of the door of Donaldson's Chapel, I passed through a cloud of smoke who were standing there. One approached me. It was the guy who had said "Amen, sister" during my remarks. He thanked me for "saying what everyone in the room was thinking." He then told me that he lives in Baltimore, and he's been clean for some years. But that there were many people sitting there that night (chapel was full, by the way) who needed to hear what I said. We bid each other good evening and I went to my car.I was in awe of God, and of the power of Spirit that had come through me that night. I had no clue what I was doing, really, yet I trusted that God did what needed to be done, and God said what needed to be said. Risky business, I dare say. But every now and again, I am able to get my human self out of the way and let God be what God will be. When I can, good stuff happens. God happens.Connections and LearningOf course the other sad truth--at least to me--is that there is so little connection between the deeply spiritual and honest nature of Twelve Step meetings and worship in the institutional Church. (Irony here: an Episcopal priest named Sam Shoemaker founded AA.) People who have hit bottom and admit it, asking for help, knowing that there are many steps in their journey of life--these folks are usually honest, soul-searching and reflective. They are also willing to be open to change and new insights. I wonder how many people in this parish, or any other church, could honestly say that about themselves?
Like the Twelve Step program, the Christian life is a journey. Yes, sometimes it is one step forward, two steps back. Hand held out for help, then another shaky step forward. Open a Bible and read a little in Genesis. Sit for a few quiet moments and say a few words to God in the morning. One step forward. Breathe. Be still and think about how open I am to change if that is what would make my life deeper and more fulfilling. Ask who I have wronged--with something I have done, or something critical I have said to them. Then go and ask for their forgiveness. And remember that in our lives together, we're on a journey, not looking so much for the destination. Because perhaps the destination--the Beloved Community--is the journey itself."Recovery takes time. A Lifetime. And that's good, not bad, because recovery is more than just getting clean & sober. In its broadest, most meaningful sense recovery is the process of becoming the person you want to be. . .the person you were meant to be."How will you become the person you want to be? The person you're meant to be? ~With you on the journey. S