The Hidden Purpose of the Dark Night of the Soul

How Recovery Found Me“The dark night is a profoundly good thing. It is an ongoing spiritual process in which we are liberated from attachments and compulsions and empowered to live and love more freely.”
Gerald G. MayThe Dark Night of the Soul

Stories of salvation, it's a strong word yet clearly, those who return from the deadly grip of alcoholism or drug addiction, believe in resurrection.  From despair to surrender, survivors of alcoholism and drug addiction acknowledge being graced with a new life.

As a recovered alcoholic and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, I've been privileged to hear the stories of personal redemption. In the meetings I attend, many share how it happened to them, in spite of deep denial.  They share poignantly of their journey and how mysteriously they were carried along by an unseen influence to finally admit a "need for help".

There are others, whose lives suddenly change as the result of an irreversible life event, such as the loss of an important relationship, a criminal arrest, a death of a loved one, or a critical illness. Suddenly they awaken from a deep sleep to discover the willingness to change.

And some simply die...

The purpose of "Stories From The Silence" is to share the experience of renewal found in recovery.  The purpose of sharing a recovery message is to support others who still suffer, to reassure them it is okay to ask for help.  As many of us know, when we asked for help, an immediate change was realized within us, we were no longer alone.  May this shared offering of recovery experience, shine a light on the truth, you too can recover.

Please scroll down to begin at Step One with additional commentary by Richard Rohr on his interpretation of the Twelve Steps.  Step Eleven and Twelve are in the works...

Thank you for visiting Inward Grace!