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Love Action

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At last night’s meeting, my group read the April 17 entry in For Today (p. 108). Writing on the topic of “love in action” convinced me to be more questioning and honest about working the Twelve Steps. My main takeaway was the idea that love is expressed in actions. Words of love, in and of themselves, are insufficient.

I have found this to be true in life as well as in program. I can say I turn my will and my life over to my Higher Power all I want, but until I actually do, it avails me nothing. I can say I’m sorry for some transgression until I’m blue in the face, but I have a long history of lying to myself and others, so nothing is gained until I take action and truly make amends. I can have lofty recovery goals, but until I put my abstinence first, follow my food plan, and work the Twelve Steps, nothing is achieved.

So it is with love also. I can tell my OA friends I love them, but until my actions bear out my words, these are just empty sentiments. Do I call or visit with them? When I do, do I listen, or do I just want to vent? Do I share my personal experience, strength, and hope, or do I spout unsolicited advice? Am I consistent in offering my love? Do I make these acts of love on a daily basis, or just when I feel the need to receive love in return? Can I love my fellow OA members on bad days as well as good? Will I answer that call, or just let it go to voicemail to be returned later (if at all)? Do I go to meetings on bad days as well as good days? When I go, do I contribute, or does my ego or sarcasm get in the way? Am I too busy feeling inferior or superior to my fellows to be true to myself and just freely offer my fellows my love?

How do I treat my Higher Power? Is this a relationship I treasure and treat with respect? Or is my prayer and meditation just a checkbox on my to-do list? Am I honest and loving toward HP, or do I treat him as a spiritual ATM, looking only for my daily withdrawal?

I am far from perfect, and I stand convicted of many of these transgressions. I fail as often as I succeed. I recognize that my ability to love is still immature, but with this program, I have made much progress. By working the Twelve Steps each day, I grow and mature. It is progress, not perfection, I seek.

So, thank you for your love and support. Your experience, strength, and hope has brought me to where I am today. Between my fellow OA members and my HP, I have a better life and, for the first time ever, hope for the future.

— Craig, Detroit, Michigan USA

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