Blog for October 30th, 2023
Surrender to Win
We just got home from an NA convention. It was a good one. I heard some good things, seen some friends, lots of hugs, good food and worked a step with a sponsee there. I am tired but feeling inspired.
One thing I heard that has stuck with me is that when you surrender, it opens the door for God to come in and do some cool stuff for you. Like, heal relationships, or give you a new one that is so much better for you. Surrendering also opens the door to a new job, or to some creativity and new ideas. Maybe it could open the door of your memories to help resolve old issues and help heal you so you can have new and improved behaviors and attitudes.
OK, he didn’t say all that, just that surrender opens the door. But it struck a chord with me in all the ways I just mentioned. I really needed to hear that, as simple as it is, it’s big for me at this time. I have a few things I need to surrender to. Quitting drugs is only the beginning.
Through the years I’ve had to surrender my kids, my marriage, my fears, my wants, needs and desires. My attitude at work and with co-workers. I’ve had to surrender my finances and retirement, courts and lawful matters. Institutions and companies that have tried to rip us off.
Many times over I’ve had to surrender my sponsees, even my own sponsor. I’ve had to surrender my health situations, especially when I got my brain coiled.
There’s been many health issues and I have to surrender to the doctors and the medical world; I’ve nearly died at least three times. I surrendered and let God do His thing, guiding the medical people in their treatment of me. Somehow, when you know that it’s absolutely necessary to let go and let God, you just do it.
That reminds me of the time I was body surfing in the ocean and a wave took me under, I was tossed and twirled in the wave and tried to fight my way out at first, finally, I surrendered to my situation, I knew I was going to drown, so I quit fighting. Next thing I know, I was washed up on the beach, scraped up and worn out, but alive!
What a life lesson that was, but I have been constantly reminded that there are still things I need to surrender from time to time. Being aware of my life and my feelings and thoughts, helps me to know that I need to surrender something. That’s where a daily tenth step comes in. That step allows me to see where I have current issues, problems or owe amends.
When I first got clean and heard “surrender to win” I thought, “no way”, I am not giving in or giving up my drugs. I was soon to find out that indeed, it would be “win” to surrender my disease.
Right now, I’m tired and I’m going to surrender to my fatigue and rest. Again, I’m grateful for a week-end of being immersed in recovery and few hundred or so like minded people all gathered in one place.
With all that said, I must tell you, there are things I will always refuse to surrender to. I will never give up on my recovery, my marriage, my kids, my family, and friends. I will not surrender to fear and hatred. But I will continue to surrender to win and open the door so God can come in and do His thing, amen.
Question of the Week: Do you have something you need to surrender?
