My in-laws served a mission for our church right around the same time that I was experiencing the first of my symptoms of the bipolar disease. They were called to be facilitators for one of the Addiction Recovery Program meetings http://www.providentliving.org/familyservices/strength/0,12264,2873-1,00.html which are sponsored by LDS (Latter-Day Saint) Family Services to help those who struggle with addictions such as:
- Alcohol
- Drugs (both prescription and illegal)
- Tobacco
- Coffee and tea
- Pornography
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
- Gambling
- Codependency
- Disorders associated with eating
They sent me the workbook that the church uses for the 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program and I know they were inspired to do so. At the time they sent it I was in denial about my diagnosis and I was too angry and proud to go through the workbook. So I set it aside and basically forgot about it.
Eight years later I was sitting at our family computer when I looked over at the bookshelf and saw the workbook. As I glanced through the pages I started crying. It was like I was receiving one on one counsel and admonitions from my Father in Heaven about changes that I needed to make in my life.
While I don't have any addictions,
I was amazed at how well this program applied to my struggles with my illness and I felt that it could help me. You can download a copy of the workbook for free at http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8517-1-4751-1,00.html
I have seen how the 12 Step Recovery Program is helping me in my own life and I know that it will help others. For me it is like a road map to recovery and healing.
Each step includes a key principle, action steps, and a section called study and understanding. The last section is filled with scriptures to study and questions to answer and write down. It helps me to better understand how to apply each step to my life.
Step 1 HONESTY
KEY PRINCIPLE: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.
Step 2 HOPE
KEY PRINCIPLE: Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.
Right now I am on: Step 3 TRUST in GOD.
KEY PRINCIPLE: Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
I was reading a quote from the Lectures on Faith by our prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.
"Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
First, the idea that he actually exists.
Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive."
As I was reading the second thing that is necessary for faith in God I was struck by the word
"correct."
Sometimes I struggle with trusting my Father in Heaven and I know that it is connected to some INCORRECT ideas I have of God's character, perfections, and attributes.
When I was in college I used to carry my scriptures everywhere with me.
They had their own little spot in my backpack. If I was feeling discouraged, homesick, anxious or whatever, I would open my scriptures and read.
I always felt better after doing so.
A thought occurred to me the other day that the past few years I have been relying too much on my husband for spiritual support and strength and that I needed to get back into the habit I started when I was a freshman in college...meaning, to more often turn towards God through scripture and prayer when I am feeling depressed.
Through the scriptures I will come to better understand CORRECT ideas of my Father's character, perfections, and attributes.
