I WILL STEP BACK AND LET MY HIGHER POWER LEAD

We need only “figure out” one thing: how to recognize and reject our old guides: self-deception, dishonesty, selfishness, fear, and resentments. These motives led us to use others for our own gain, to dull our best selves, and withhold love not only from others but from ourselves.

Once we reject our old ways, we open ourselves to a power greater than ourselves. Think of this “higher power” as our deepest loving sense of what is right at any given moment. We need only suspend our fearful thinking and follow the lead of this loving wisdom. That’s it! Simple, but not easy, right?

How We Change

AA’s set of 12 steps, practiced over time with caring mentors, gives us a completely new direction. Following this path transforms our self-centered life into one of care, gratitude, and generosity.

At first, we find our new guidance from meetings: Don’t think, don’t drink, and go to meetings. God’s will, not my will. This too shall pass. Surrender to win. As our new sober friends share the miracles in their lives–not the least of which is quitting drinking and drugging–they give all the credit to a mysterious “power greater than myself.”

Throughout our recovery, we join voices in the Serenity prayer—an easy one to accept. But, at the end of meetings,  we often say the Lord’s prayer—a much tougher sell for me. At first, the male image of a higher power just didn’t feel safe. But I stuck with it because the Third step said I could understand this power in my own way.

How Do We Follow A Higher Power?

Slowly, these new ideas seeped into my heart, replacing my selfish ways with loving guidance. When I found an image of an angelic girl in a flowing robe, walking with folded hands, my heart immediately opened to her as my loving guide. As I’ve studied other wisdom traditions, I’ve accepted other names for this power; for me, they are all the same loving presence.

Today, as I was listening to Carol Howe explain A Course in Miracles Lesson 155 (“I will step back and let love God/lead the way”), I saw myself following beautiful flowing presence of that first image. I held her hand as she led me along her unerring path to God’s love. Indeed, I prefer to live each moment this way: not looking too far ahead, just being in the present knowing that the next steps in my life are perfectly guided by loving power.

Now, I must admit I often allow fear’s voice to hide the truth of this conscious connection. Eventually, however, I notice I’ve lost my serenity, and I consciously grab the hand of my dear, sweet guides. The more I practice this connection, the less I go off track because my mind is filled with love, whether I’m aware of it or not.   

Decide to Follow a Guide to a Better Life

So, how do we know God’s will for us? We honestly open ourselves to new ways of thinking. We get quiet and listen for wisdom. When we  act from loving motives (care, kindness, comfort, self-compassion), I believe we make God smile and say, There they are, giving and receiving love just as I hoped they would.

I’D LOVE TO HEAR HOW YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR HIGHER POWER!