Member: Kirsty A
Location: Turkey
Date: 11/17/2002
Time: 10:47:33 AM
"Let go and Let God" I sometimes find this difficult. I have let go but sometimes, when faced with problems they eat away at me. This is of course when I haven't let go. When I try to do things my way, my small problems grow. When I 'hand it over' things never seem so bad. To me this is a simple concept but sometimes hard to carry out. What a fantastic effect it has when I manage to do this properly.
Member: Soberlo
Location: Orange
Date: 11/17/2002
Time: 11:35:28 AM
Let Go and Let God...... One of the wonderful short sayings we have that help me put things in persective. I get wound up about life sometimes, and think I am in charge again. It takes a burden off my shoulders to be reminded that God is in charge, and He does a darn fine job of taking care of things if I let Him. I pray that I am able to let God guide me today.
Member: Hugh M
Location: Alberta Canada
Date: 11/17/2002
Time: 3:51:12 PM
Hello I'M Hugh I am an alcoholic what a great topic thats me always trying to stay in control of the things in my life but that is what got me here in the first place so if we truly pray to and ask for (GOD)or for our higher power to help us and guide us through our day it is not surprising to see the results that we can achieve so it is true LET GO AND LET GOD Thankyou for another beautiful day of sobriety
Member: Melly
Location: Cleveland
Date: 11/17/2002
Time: 5:32:29 PM
Hi everyone! I also have trouble letting go and letting God take care of me and what's going on in my life. Like everyone else it's a control issue with me.Things don't move along as quickly or the way I think they should.Sometimes I don't realize I'm not giving it to God until I've practically driven myself nuts! Then I usually try to do a third step on whatever it is I'm trying to let go of. Thanks for being here!
Member: Joe M
Location: New York
Date: 11/17/2002
Time: 5:35:57 PM
Hi Im Joe And I'm An Alcoholic, Leting go And letting God is So Hard fo me I have just started getting back to meetings. I havent drank but I thought i could do it my way. Coming back to meetings and the Steps is the only way for me. I know that now. I realize "Thy Will not mine" be done. I find myself now trying to control what happens in my marrage. As a result of my way, I have damaged my relationship. The rooms and my Higher Power have made me See and Feel again. I Need to stay Close. This topic is rite up my alley. Yes I need to practice letting go and letting God take care of all my affairs. When im in control or think I have any, I get into trouble. Thank you for listening and thank you for this topic.
Member: Norman D.
Location: Maine
Date: 11/17/2002
Time: 7:20:18 PM
Hi, I'm Norm and I AM an alcoholic. "Let go and let God" illustrates, for me, my own insanity. Here I have the evidence of miracles in my life, from lifting my compulsion to drink to others just as wonderful. But when I'm facing a difficult situation, even when I pray for help from the Higher Power I KNOW is there, I'm fearful. I still wonder whether God will help a person with all of my character defects. With my 12th AA birthday coming up in January, here I am having to pray to be restored to sanity. And the fact remains that God has enough love for all of us alcoholics, and grants it liberally. The Program works, trust in God works, I just wish I worked better. Oh, well, I'm a little better at practicing "let go and let God" than in the past, so I'm grateful for the progress. Thanks for being here.
Member: eric t
Location: nashville, tn
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 12:36:06 AM
hi everyone....my name is eric and im an alcoholic. my sponser always says that letting go and letting GOD involves a 3 step process:1) Go to GOD in prayer over the decision or dilemma or sourse of angst...2) turn my attention to whats in front of me to be done so that GOD can take the problem under consideration....3) LOOK and LISTEN for the answer. sometimes it comes in the voice of a friend or a line in a movie or a sign on a billboard...you know, one of those "coincidenses". in other words...letting go and letting GOD means just that. tell GOD about it and then turn my attention to what i do know until what i dont know becomes clearer. thanks for letting me share.
Member: Rick R.
Location: U.A.E.
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 12:57:08 AM
Hi, everybody I'm Rick, an alcoholic. I'm a 1st time contributor. I have 72 hrs of sobriety under my belt and must say I can't remember when I have felt this good. I go to my 1st meeting either tonight or Wed. Let go and let God. Boy, that hurts a lot. I was such a committed christian when I was young. Was going to be a minister and even have a degree in religion, and yet here I am at 50, a bingeing alcoholic and in a foreign land, as well as working in a foreign land. (I live in the United Arab Emirates--shares an eastern border with Saudi Arabia). How did I get to the alcohlic foreign land? One step (drink) at a time. The Bible says that the prodigal son "finally came to his senses," and I guess I have done that, at long last. So, to my new brothers and sisters, pray for me. I realize I have not even come to the real battles yet, but know they are coming. And there's only way to get through them, by letting God. I guess He and I need to become better acquainted...again.
Member: Pat M
Location: Kalamazoo, MI
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 2:32:33 AM
Having some trouble letting go of this one: my younger cousin is spiraling out of control with drinking and just totaled his car; he should be dead. He is not ready to surrender yet but he is getting to be suicidal and is blacking out regularly. I feel so helpless--i want to just shake the shit out of him and tell him to give up, to stop fighting against the booze, to make a decision to live. I want to make him understand that there is a solution, that he doesn't have to die like that. I'm going on two years sober and I recently started going to Al-anon as well, but this is really hard for me.
Member: Susan
Location: West Michigan
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 6:05:27 AM
"Let Go and Let God" is a very good topic. But for someone who hasn't attended a meeting either on-line or in person for days; any topic would be good for me. I recently did "Let Go and Let God" with a dilema I was facing. It involved getting a licensed daycare provider for my children while I work. I currently have a 18 year old watching my kids. However, when I let go and let god take control; God let me know that I need 2 child care providers. One to watch my kids while I work and one to watch them while I attend meetings. Still being early in recovery, working is good; however, meetings are essential. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Bob B
Location: Vanderbilt, Mi
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 6:18:41 AM
Bob here, alcoholic. Food for thought. WHat is it to "let go and let God"? Can you say that you can stop God? Are you powerless? IF you are then don't you realize that God is only "letting you" seem to be in charge. Suggest you all read pages 449-452 in the 3rd Edition of the Big Book. Your answer is there in very plain language. God Bless you.
Member: Maria
Location: Delaware
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 7:32:14 AM
My name is Maria and I'm an alcoholic. Wow, I've read a lot of good things here this morning. There's a saying, that I love...but am not very good at practicing..."Relax, God's in charge!" Thanks for everyone's comments, maybe today I'll remember that, and let go just a little. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: AZbill
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 8:22:39 AM
HI. Bill here. Alcoholic from Arizona. I was sitting in a barroom some years ago when, with no reason at all, I put down an unfinished drink. I got up and walked out of that bar never to return to any bar again to drink. That was the first of many God Shots that have happened in my life in recovery. I had no reason to drink and no reason not to drink. I could do an entire speaker meeting on God Shots alone that have happened over the years since. Here is what I have learned over the years in this God business. I have learned that this is a God program and this is a We program. But if I want anything out of it I have to do the footwork. I have learned that God loves me so much that He has given me the free will to drink or not to drink. That half drink is still sitting on that bar waiting for me to come pick it up if I choose to. What a wonderful gift of freedom that really is. I have learned that if that trash can over there in the corner catches on fire, we can all hold hands and pray. But until someone pours water on it, that fire will not go out. This is an action program. I have come to believe that God will do for me what I cannot do for myself. I also believe just as strongly that He will not do for me what I can. I have learned to be careful of what I pray for. I just might get it. Thank you very much for being a part of my sobriety today. Bill email: az-bill@mindspring.com
Member: AnilG
Location: MtVernon,IL
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 8:40:17 AM
I am an alcoholic and an addict to me let go and let god is helpful I deal with my day to day stresses that otherwise would have driven me insane. things that bother me couse any stress i have to let them go and pray that God is there watching over me and help me that I am not alone.yesterday day i had ticket to fly to boston but due to reasons it is hard to explain I did not I was stressing out that i would loose money since it was a restricted ticket and had to let it go and later I found I had made the right choice by not going, thanks to aa and alanon.
Member: Craig L (Dogmanor@yahoo.com)
Location: Aloha, Oregon
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 11:09:06 AM
Many years ago in my drinking and drugging days, I was exposed to HIV and as many of my friends were dying, I assumed it would only be a matter of time for me. I was too afraid to get tested. This was just one of the many fears I drowned out with more alcohol and drugs. I didn’t want to face mortality so I wanted to die right now. Talk about insanity. Last year while showering I found some strange purplish looking spots on my legs. I was sure it was AIDS and spent the weekend in white terror, thinking of all the horror that would follow. I had to wait several days to see my doctor and during that time fear embraced me often, but I made the decision to “Let Go and Let God!”. Regardless of the outcome, I would do what God asked without resistance. You know I slept very well after that, I saw my doctor and was diagnosed and treated for ringworm. I also asked to be tested for HIV and discovered I was negative. Though I was grateful for my health, the true gift was the “Letting Go” and being willing to face whatever happened, knowing I was always in the loving embrace of God.
Member: John R.
Location: S.E. MICHIGAN
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 12:57:22 PM
John R here- alcoholic, interesting topics and discussion. 32 year old here discovering the 12 step process. Thouroughly enjoyed this session.
Member: john m
Location: brooklyn
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 2:19:42 PM
hi everyone, my name is john murphy. i'm an alcoholic. the important part of 'let go and let god' is, for me, that it encourages us to consciously invite our higher power into our lives. it seems that the situations and events we talk about so often when we need to 'let go and let god' are exclusively negative or frustrating experiences. these are, of course, times when we are most aware of the need for help outside our own capabilities and look to our higher power for whatever that help might be. but i think it's important to remember that we can 'let' our higher power in on any situation, any event, positive or negative. as someone said before, the events of our lives as we choose to live them all happen only because a higher power has 'let' us live freely. i believe that if i consciously invite my higher power into these choices as often as i can, i not only increase that freedom and make better choices, but also express my gratitude for the freedom itself. i have much to be thankful for and many choices to make today! thanks everyone, for 'letting' me share.
Member: JL
Location: The Beach
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 2:23:41 PM
Jeff here alcoholic. I realized last week that I can be such a hypocrite somtimes in the program. I had let go of my disease, I had surrendered and let God. I still try and control. But even with a couple of years sober, I am more likely to pray for myself rather than give it to God. What's up with that? God plese hear my prayer, please take these defects of mine and the feelings that go with them. Relieve me of the bondage of self, not thy will be done. I was actually physically struck by this notion, it made me want to dedicate more time to meditation, listening to God, not petitioning Him. I do have a higher power working in my life, I must trust in it and really let go. The times I have done this have been real growth for me. This is an excellent topic. Easier said than done.
Member: Jose R
Location: Bogota
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 4:08:31 PM
Hi my name is Jose, an alcoholic in recovery. Is hard to let go when I am still searching for God.This is just a journey of deepening, never one of explaining.I have to accepet that this quest is ardous and even painful, but thats because I am human. God is the deepest mystery of life, he should be able to take care of me and my problems. I am safe.
Member: Stacey K
Location: Seattle
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 4:34:39 PM
Wow! AHA! I love when I get these. I've been reading for a year, but this is my first post. I went to a meeting today about humility. For me humility is realizing that I am but a part, But I am a vital part. Thank you AZBill for all your comments but today's regarding how God will not do for me what I can was great. And thank you John M. for your comment regarding letting God in on the easy decisions too. This is the key. When we ask "is that all there is", sometimes we realize "everything we need is right here!"
Member: Marv L
Location: Laurel,Ms
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 7:40:54 PM
Marv,alcoholic,thanks,Stacy,that reminded me of a good one I heard in AA: Fella is falling off a steep cliff,hollering"Lord,save me,pleeeeze!" He looked down,saw a small bush,grabbed a limb,and hung on..breathless,he whispered a "thank-you",and heard a voice above say:"Now,my son,let go of the limb,Ill take care of you,trust me." He looked around, sweating,and hollered back up"Hey, is there anyone ELSE up there??" When I crashed from alcoholism and turned to AA,wow,I kinda had that same feeling...but when all else failed,I tried to follow directions,and by working the steps and with a lot of help from sponsors & friends and a loving God,today I know this motto is a lifesaver! BB says what seemed to be a flimsy reed turned out to be the loving hand of God,so my wish for all of us,as Thanksgiving comes around,dont we have a lot to be thankful for????
Member: Hugh M
Location: Drayton Valley
Date: 11/18/2002
Time: 9:27:39 PM
Hello I'M Hugh and Iam an alcoholic Ilove this discussion group. Rick R I am like you buddy grew up loving Christ and then let him take the back seat in my life to much pain and sorrow KEEP COMING BACK RICK R we need people like you in this program that can maybe shed a little spirituality our way thankyou for sharing
Member: Mike W
Location: Hillsdale, Michigan USA
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 2:22:18 AM
Hi all Mike W. Here, I'm a gettin better alcoholic. There's a lot of Wisdom in these "tables" and I beleive in a loving and caring God that is interested in our "Greatest Good" and Who'll help it come to pass in our lives.. There's just a lot of variables to be considered ... Speaking of the most wisest man ever to grace the face of the planet He created,, He said " Cast your cares on me for I care for you" ; Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laidenened and I will Give thee rest..; Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and HIS rightiousness and all these THINGS shall be added unto you" He taught a lot of Spiritual Principles that just weave right in to the TRUTHS that we here around these "tables" ,.. He also went about Healing All that would receive Him... I think He visited Bill Wilson in Towns Hospital that wonderful day that Bill was finally ABLE to "LET GO AND LET GOD" Thanks for helping me to stay sober today !!! Mike W. plumbfitter2000@yahoo.com
Member: carmen I
Location: brookhaven , Pa
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 3:11:55 AM
let go and let was a hard topic for me , for a long time I could not except god in my life when I was a kid my uncle was killed on new years eve my grandmother has told me I used to say I was mad at god for taking my uncle away from me and until recently only , have I excepted god in my life . without him alot of my prayers would go unanswered the strength I get from him as well as the program of A.A I had to except defeat in that I had to surrender to god and will to whatever will be will be !
Member: Charlie Darling
Location: Ft Myers via Key West FL
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 8:01:52 AM
Hi Family Charlie Darling a very grateful recovering alcholic. Wow let go and let God, that was not easy for me in the beginning, but I finally turned my life over to the care of my God, and things worked out better all around. For I know I can't and God could if he was saught. God has helped me to stay sober, and that is the best that I can expect for today, and for that I am grateful, as I don't want to go back to the way it was, as Life is good, not the best but good, and I accept that instead of trying to make it better where as I used to only make it worse. So today I let go of things and ask God for the help to get me through, and he usually does for me what I can't do myself. For I heard in many meetings God bought me to AA and AA bought me back to God. I am so blessed to have this great program of recovery, and will keep coming back. Thank you for letting me share. I Love you all kwduke_1999@yahoo.com
Member: Bob Henderson
Location: South Bend,Indiana
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 8:03:33 AM
Bob Alcoholic!Thank you everyone for being here for me .
Member: Jeannette Z
Location: NY
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 9:57:49 AM
Thank you Kirsty for a great topic, it's exactly what I needed. Today I am struggling, as it's been mentioned by others here, with 'control', wanting to arrange the stage and players according to the way "I" want it to be which never fails to always bring me to the same places: anxiety, fear, confusion. I KNOW when I Let Go and Let God, it works out just fine. Sometimes for me though, I have to pray just for the "willingness" to Let Go. But there are no concidences, I prayed, I came here, and I heard His answer. I know everything will be fine when I give it to Him. How could it not be, when I know He is ALL good and ALL loving. Only the negatives and fear live in my mind, not in His world. Thank you so much everyone for sharing.
Member: Dennis H.
Location: Austin TX
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 12:48:44 PM
To me, let go and let God, is a saying that reconfirms our taking of the 3rd step where we made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of our Higher Power. We nolonger struggle or fight anybody or anything. God WILL provide for us. Remember who is "running the show" now.
Member: Steve W.
Location: packer country
Date: 11/19/2002
Time: 7:36:58 PM
To let go and let God to me is to give up the foolishness of trying to control everything and knowing that I don't have control of anything. As long as I have faith, God will be here for me and there is a plan even if I don't see it right now.
Member: Rick R.
Location: Middle East
Date: 11/20/2002
Time: 4:08:29 AM
Hi, Everybody Rick here, an alcoholic living in the Middle East. We're not supposed to contribute more than once a week to the list, but since I'm on my 5th day, please indulge me. Letting go and letting God. There's a Bible verse I grew up with. New Testament, book of James, 1st chapter. A person who only hears the word and doesn't "DO" the word (of God) is like a man who looks into a mirror and then forgets what he looks like. Have any of you ever tried to draw a self-portrait? I'm no artist, but of course, some of you must be quite accomplished. But even at that, you have to constantly be checking back to see that image, again and again. To see what you look like. I realize there are many religious backgrounds represented on this website, but if you're not in pretty close contact with your Higher Power (for me, God), then your lose your way and forget what manner of (wo)man you are. This is just a rabbit that ran across my path that I thought I would share. If it helps anybody at all... Rick
Member: message carrier
Location: shoot me
Date: 11/20/2002
Time: 6:17:56 AM
if u work out that ur powerless?? hand it over. let go and let God
Member: Greg N
Location: MI
Date: 11/20/2002
Time: 5:43:23 PM
Let go and let God...great topic. It really makes me remember how small I am in the grand scheme of things, and that my HP does dictate my path. Its good to recognize that if you have faith in your HP that you can, and will turn out ok. I know for me it has not seemed to be true, but things will come around. I've given into the fact that I'm powerless, and that putting faith in my HP has put me on the right path to sobriety. Thanks.
Member: Michael D
Location: Tacoma, WA
Date: 11/20/2002
Time: 6:37:20 PM
As I understand it, there is only one way for me to let go and let God. I can wish it or want it with all of my soul, but I am powerless. I can not manage my life. I can not change my defects of charecter. Including my obsession to control everything in my life. So no wonder I won't let go. Deep down I don't want to, but something wonderful happens between the 4th and 9th step. I realize that I do nothing. Everything good comes from God. Everything bad from me. If it is screwed up I did it. If it is right God did it. Any talent or gifts I have are just that. GIFTS. Blessings from God. So even the things I seem to do. Were done by God all along. This removes any pressure that I MUST do things the right way or else. My way = My results. My results bring only pain. Love ya family. God Bless!! Michael
Member: marty g.
Location: manitowoc, wisconsin
Date: 11/20/2002
Time: 7:19:12 PM
i cant, he can, let go and let him. if i allow this to happen, then life is a lot better.
Member: Hamish
Location: Sydney,Australia
Date: 11/21/2002
Time: 9:10:44 AM
Hi Family My names Hamish - I'm an alocoholic, - I tried my way for some years and it didn't work. When I "Let Go and Let God" or hand my life over to God it brings a sense of calmness. Thank you for being here and helping me stay sober one day at a time.
Member: PappyPaw B
Location: Michigan
Date: 11/21/2002
Time: 3:22:01 PM
Hi Gang, PappyPawI am a grateful recovering Alcoholic. A wonderful thing happened to me right off this morning. Iwoke up sober and I knew why too, it had to do with this "Let Go, Let God". Last Nov 7 on my weay home from work The brake went out on my truck. I did a big "Evil Knivil over a 12' embankment. The fall was great but the sudden stop was a bitch. It hardly scratched the Mazda Truck but the "sudden Stop" broke my back and now I am an invalid un til I go throught the lenghty painful heaking process. Thank God you soberiety amgles are just a click away. I am drawing my strength from you and will be in touch as I ca. It is blinding painful here at the PC so I need to sign off. PappyPaw
Member: michael b.
Location: az
Date: 11/21/2002
Time: 8:02:11 PM
Hi! I'm sober today only by the Grace of God and the Fellowship! Thanks for the sincere shares and welcome newcomers! For me, there is a near-constant tension between me trying to control of everything and letting go and letting God. Most, if not all, of this struggle is due to mere habit on my part to take control, and fear, including uncertainty over God's will for me in circumstances which don't directly concern my sobriety.
Member: Confused
Location: Dunno
Date: 11/22/2002
Time: 1:14:57 AM
If I let go and give all to God, what is left for me?
Member: Thomas M
Location: S. Fla
Date: 11/22/2002
Time: 4:44:38 AM
Serenity! and a sudden feeling of not being confused anymore. Give it a try. It works. Oh and by the way NO DRINKING.
Member: RAY. MAC.
Location: SCOTLAND
Date: 11/22/2002
Time: 8:06:23 AM
Hi Ray here let go and let the big man take over i always wanted someone to take the weight of my shoulders and now he is there when things get to much and it gets easier to let go and get rid of self, i all ways cock it up anyway god has never let me down,in sunlight and in spirit Ray(Scotland)
Member: Bill P.
Location: Michigan
Date: 11/22/2002
Time: 9:31:15 AM
Let Go and Let God. It works for me. Another one I picked up at the tables is this one: I pray to God and ask him to "Bless them (others) and change Me." God Bless all of you for being here and enjoy this day, it's the only one that counts!
Member: Diane O
Location: Greensboro, NC
Date: 11/22/2002
Time: 9:56:59 AM
I do have trouble figuring out what to turn over and what I need to do legwork on, How much energy to put into a situation before turning it over, etc. Because I am real Heavy on Procrastination, too. And sometimes it is hard to know which one I am doing. What I know though is when I do truly Let Go and Let God wonderful things come to pass. Third Step Prayer is good for turning things over to.
Member: Mike W
Location: ontario canada
Date: 11/23/2002
Time: 9:56:35 AM
Hi everybody Mike alcoholic,, Letting go and letting God . Its all in the first three steps,, I can't he can, so why not let him
Member: anonymous alcoholic (DOS 12/12/90)
Location: 2689 Ridgecrest Drive
Date: 11/23/2002
Time: 1:50:38 PM
Great topic! Sometimes it helps me if I look at the topic from the OPPOSITE point of view ... Hanging onto my stuff and NOT asking for help ... That sounds a lot more like me now, even after almost 12 years, than the letting go/letting God thing. Sounds like I have MORE work to do, huh? Thanks.
Member: JimB
Location: RMI
Date: 11/23/2002
Time: 1:52:05 PM
JimB., happy to know Im alcoholic and grateful to be sober today. Very busy grappling with the forces of evil that exist in the world so I havent had a chance to write. At first of course I balked at this topic thinking that it was to repetitious and I couldnt think of anything to say about it. Now it seems to be once again very fitting and right on schedule. I did what I had to do regarding the situation in my life that I found myself embroiled in and although the results were less than I had hoped for I once again find myself just needing to let go and let God. Have a great 24 Hrs!!! jimbxyz@hotmail.com
Member: DavidH
Location: Nashville
Date: 11/23/2002
Time: 3:15:42 PM
Let go and let God. Sometimes this simply means that I need to be reminded that this is God's world not mine. I'm just here to do his will..
Member: Dorine
Location: Canada
Date: 11/23/2002
Time: 9:31:15 PM
Hi, I'm Dorine, an alcoholic. Let Go, Let God. Okay, I'm not alone. Whatever I am feeling now...it will pass. I've have to do what the program suggests. Reading the BB and sharing. Thank a whole lot.
Member: Rich R, s-l-o-w-l-y recovering compulsive person/alcoholic
Location: Detroit richr_srcp@hotmail.com
Date: 11/24/2002
Time: 5:41:07 AM
Today I am commited to stop using caffeine. I won't go into all the reasons why. And I realize that caffeine pales in comparison to alcohol, but at this stage in my recovery I am trying to get CLEAN and sober. And I seem to have a strange sensitivity to caffeine. For me, it definitely 'alters my mood' so I need to give it up. This is just for me. And, this week's topic 'let go and let God' is definitely what I need to do for this little chapter in my recovery. Thanks for letting me share.