Faith without works is dead

Let’s look at Steps Eight and Nine. We have a list of all persons we have harmed and to whom we are willing to make amends. We made it when we took inventory. We subjected ourselves to a drastic self-appraisal. Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the past. We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven’t the will to do this, we ask until it comes. Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.

I got to watch a good friend walk into custody today 

He had done some things in his past that were illegal.  It all stopped once he got sober, but still, he has to pay for his mistakes.  It took the federal courts several years to get to the bottom of the investigation and to finally press charges and issue a sentance.  He had been involved with some guys selling illegal software and the big company that had been ripped off absolutely refused to let things go.  Now after becoming an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, active in the homegroup, actively working with newcomers and participating in the life of his son and new bride, the judge deemed it neccissary for him to go to prison. 

There are several great parts for my Friend that I’ll call Dan but it’s his family that will suffer the worst.

My sponsors sponsor got sober in a maximum security federal penitentary.  He claims: “I was locked down in that maximum security federal pen and I became a free man”, and “When you’re doing His will, the walls will come down.”  No matter what you’re up against, if you’re doing his will, the walls will come down.

I pray for his son who has become his best friend.