I started the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous in July of 2012 at the encouragement of my daughter. I had quit drinking five years before at what could be considered a high bottom, yet knowing that once I took a drink I would crave another. Still I had been chronically depressed for well over a year and out of desperation to be freed from my depression I began attending an AA group determined to do 90 meetings in 90 days.
The first step was easy for me. I knew that I was powerless over my depression. It had a strangle hold on me. But step two was a challenge, as I just wsn’t sure that even a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. However, I had not worked the 12 step program of AA with a sponsor before, and that gave me hope that there might be a solution. And then step three, turn my life over to the care of God as I understood Him? I wasn’t understanding too much about God at that time and was skeptical that if I, being unable to find help from Him in the past, could find help from him in the future.
But in a noon AA meeting on July 29 in Durham, NC, I made a decision to turn my will and life over to His care, picked up a white plastic chip given to beginners deciding to work the program, and found my depression lifted that day, replaced by a hope that has never left me.
It is so encouraging to hear your testimony. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing that story and it is well written.