The Importance of Step Two
Early in Sobriety, my second Sponsor said that when an alcoholic is having trouble getting sober or staying sober, the problem often lies in Step Two- the inability or unwillingness to have faith that a higher power can change your life for the better. Paired with Step One, the decision to go forward (Step Three) or step backward into the abyss of despair should really be a “no-brainer”. A modicum of Faith rather than experience based Belief is necessary for the transition.
Well….this might sound complex enough, but is it really? The first two sentences in Step One of the Twelve and Twelve state: “Who cares to admit complete defeat” and “Practically no one, of course”. Can an unmanageable life by itself actually induce Surrender, or does complete defeat have to come from somewhere else? How does the birth and maintenance of Faith emerge from a spiritual void? How are character defects removed by something other than Self will?
The Black Dog loves a mystery and doesn’t really need to understand or explain anything. A demonstration is more important. He just wants dog biscuits, a place to sleep, kindness, a good walk, and a purposeful life. There is a program of action for him outlined in the Traditions starting with the realization that recovery from a fatal addiction depends on the power of A.A. unity and not the power of Self. Faith makes this possible.
The Black Dog