MONDAY, April 25 Monday in Easter Week

Psalm 118:19-24. The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

This room is full of failures. Alcohol and other drugs have taken a toll. That woman was homeless and on welfare. That guy was living at home with his parents, unable to hold a job or form an adult relationship. This woman would slip away, leaving her kids alone. This guy alienated everyone. That one lost everything; several went to prison; the list goes on. You could say this group had collectively done just about everything wrong.

But from this room of people, one hears laughter, not just snide snickers or cynical cackles but deep, rich, belly laughs that crinkle the eyes and even bring tears. Inside, the smiles are inviting, the welcomes genuine. The atmosphere is healing and sublime, and one feels a little better sitting among these people.

Hearing the depth of their self-searching, you are moved by their honesty and courage. They inspire you. You soon discover that they are laborers, lawyers, teachers, professors, contractors, managers, professionals of every ilk, as well as mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, and friends—and good ones at that.

People occasionally ask, “Do you have to keep going to those meetings?” to which I reply, “No, I get to.”

PRAY for the Diocese of Ndokwa (Prov. of Bendel, Nigeria)

Ps 16:8-11 or 118:19-24; Acts 2:14, 22b-32; Matthew 28:9-15

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Amen!

Apr 25, 2011 at 6:46 am

Written by Chris,

Thanks Be To God.

His grace

Apr 25, 2011 at 6:58 am

Written by JP,

I know these rooms. They have brought me back from the depths of hell that my will got me into. It heals me to watch God at work. What I used to shy away from I now look forward to. I know now that I am not alone. From the gift of desperation I become willing to surrender to Gods will for me. When I look around and identify with others in the rooms I am strengthened to see Him at work. My eyes are open now and Gods love Jesus came to tell us about is real for me today. Happy Easter Monday :)

...

Apr 25, 2011 at 8:11 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

Thanks for a very moving devotional.

Easter

Apr 25, 2011 at 8:51 am

Written by Eddie C.,

Resurrection Sunday takes on a whole new meaning for those of us who have been brought back from the death of addiction to a new life of recovery. Thanks be to God.

...

Apr 25, 2011 at 10:06 am

Written by linda,

speechless with gratitude.

have to???

Apr 25, 2011 at 10:52 am

Written by 4/22/91,

yes i have to go to those meeeting...until i want to!!
then i don't have to go anymore....i just go because i want to

The greatest gift(s)

Apr 25, 2011 at 11:45 am

Written by Ruth,

This spiritual program of recovery has given me many gifts in this new life I am living; gifts that were not available when I was in my own will as a food addict. Not the least of these gifts are 1) I, too, GET to go to meetings and 2) that I have ceased taking myself and life so seriously. The laughter in my meetings is a sure sign to me that there is life after addition - and there is great joy in that life. Blessing and Happy Easter!

By The Grace of God

Apr 25, 2011 at 1:50 pm

Written by EH,

By the Grace of God - I get to go to these rooms too! This spiritual program has given me a new outlook on life. I have been blessed to have a second chance. I know that God loves me & that I love God with my heart & soul. My church gives me details - my program gave me life. The laughter in the rooms gave me hope - hope for me, hope for you & hope for tomorrow. It is a blessed person that gets recovery from any addiction - so many of us die in addictions.

Great comments

Apr 25, 2011 at 8:46 pm

Written by Bo Cox,

You all left me with more gratitude than I had to start the day and that wasn't an insignificant amount. Glad to trudge with you. Peace...

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