Many are confiding in me that the overuse of the God Word is leading them to seek another meeting where the phrase “God as you understand Him” is more prevalent. Even that may turn some away. This is a very prickly topic for some of the old-timers, who may be a little set in their ways. Some have found a power that they understand, or they think they do, which works for them. Is it right just because they have been sober for a long time to preach to others how it should be done, simply because it has worked for them?

Most of the alcoholics I know, including myself, believe in something. It may be a cross carried in the pocket, a church, or just the idea that there may be something other than myself who’s in charge. Crossing the bridge from a punishing God or none at all, to a place where each of us is comfortable is a daunting task.

I grew up in a church and became an altar boy around age 8. The service was said in Latin, which I didn’t understand. I did believe there was something in this universe, but it was also very judgmental about how I lived my life. At the young, impressionable age of twelve, my father was taken away in a deadly car crash. It was then that I abandoned any kind of belief in a spiritual being. For many years, incidents occurred that were beyond my control, and I had no idea why. I failed to recognize any lesson and continued on my not-so-merry way.

Half a lifetime later, I realized that there may be some truth to this idea of a power greater than myself. I continue to see the miracles, small and large, and do not take credit for them today. I have looked at many religions and spiritual beliefs and formulated one that works for me. I cannot share my true beliefs with you or anyone else, as that would amount to telling you what you should be doing. I have made up my mind, and it is up to you to do the same, if you choose. Whether you believe or not is a personal thing. What works for me may not work for anyone else. I know in my heart that something is happening outside of me, that I am not sure of, but there is something.

When you look at the population of the World, a high percentage believes in a power greater than themselves. The Native People believe in the Great Spirit. Hindu’s believe in many Gods. Jews follow the teachings in the Old Testament. Christians believe in Jesus, and the list goes on. Most believe in something. That is where I am today. I have taken a step further and can honestly say that there is definitely something. Who or what that is is up to each of us to figure out. It all starts with journaling using the title “What do I believe?” You may surprise yourself when you open a dialogue with the Inner you. I can say this because this is how I came to believe.

There are as many paths as there are people seeking to find one. I can picture a large elm tree with many branches, each with more branches. Out at the end are the leaves, which are us. How we get to the roots and the paths we follow is entirely up to us, or is it?