Grey Book Reflection
the Twelve Steps guide us from a state of humiliation and despair to a state wherein we are able to act as instruments of God's will.
Gray Book, p. 60 (Step Twelve, Lines 7-9)
The Recovery Process in Narcotics Anonymous, is just that a Process. Unlike the addiction process, it takes work. When we became beaten and arrived at Narcotics Anonymous humiliated and in desperation, we were forced to Surrender.
Admitting our powerlessness over the disease was one of our greatest examples to the newcomer. They too can Surrender and seek help through Narcotics Anonymous. Our Surrender is one of the first Spiritual Principles we encounter in N.A.
It's a Power of Example. Our most painful days in our Recovery can serve as a touchstone for growth.
Our Literature reminds us that Humility is a good place for an addict to be in. The Spiritual Principle of Anonymity reminds us that we're not doing this on our own. The WE in our Steps show us that the whole is greater than the sum of all of its parts.
As we progress as a result of those Steps, we Practice these Principles in all of our affairs. This Process has its results as we Practice our Traditions. For here is where we take Recovery on the road.
The Process of Living the Steps is proportional to how we relate and interact with others, and the world at large. Surrender and powerlessness are no longer negative aspects. Our Basic Text states that, "When we admit our powerlessness and inability to manage our own lives, we open the door for a Power greater than ourselves to help us."
We will submit to God's Will for us, no matter how painful it may be. The Hope is that we can always help someone else with our experience.