This is a story that was told to me many years ago... I did post it below in a reply to a message,. but for those that did not see it, it is a wonderful story about reaching out for help. Enjoy.
A man was standing on the front porch of his house, and flood waters started to rise. He couldn't swim, and he prayed to God, "Please help me, and take me to safety." A man in a canoe came by and said, "Hop in!! Let me get you out of here!!" The man said, "No, thanks, God is going to rescue me, because I prayed for help. And the canoe sailed on.
The water continued to rise, and the man climbed thge stairs of the house inside, and was hanging out one of the second-story bedroom windows. "Please, God, HELP ME!!! Bring me to safety!!!" A man in a fishing boat floated by and yelled, "Hop in!!!" The man hollered back, "No thanks, I have prayed to God and He is going to save me, any minute!!" The man in the fishing boat floated away.
Soon, the water rose to where the entire house was covered. The man climbed up onto the roof of the house, which was no longer even visible, and completely under water. The man cried out to God, "PLEASE!!!!! GOD!!!! HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!" A helicopter flew by and hovered over the man and his now-submerged home. A loud speaker rang out, "Grab onto the rope, sir, and we will take you to saftey!!!" But still the man yelled back, "No thank you... God is going to show up any minute to save me!!!"
The man did indeed drown, and upon arriving at the Pearly Gates, he said to God, "Where were you, Lord?? I called our for help 3 times and you never showed up!!" The Lord shook His head, and replied, "My Dear Child, I sent you a canoe, a fishing boat and a helicopter... but you just would not take anyone's hand..... so you didn't take MINE."
Loved that story, and the metaphor of how we need each other, everyday, for my truth is that only a Power Greater than myself could possibly keep me away from picking up a drink, I need to acknowledge that every day of my life. But he gives us these wonderful tools, the 12 Steps, and the awesome bonds of one another here in the Program.
Thank you my dear friend for this reminder, it is really just a daily reminder, time does not really play a big role in this, my take, we need each other always, to keep from drowning, or drinking in my case, just in this 24 hour Program called Alcoholics Anonymous.
A Big Hug to you, and how is the new intense Nursing Program going, day 3, probably feels like day 30, a major learning curve is so wonderful. Congratulations.
Wishing you all the best in this new exciting adventure in your Life.
School is going great, and one heck of a challenge, that's for sure!! But I did actually have a night, last night, with NO STUDYING needed... I am staying so caught up, at least for NOW... LOL
But I actually got a good night's sleep, and got to watch some T.V.!! Yippeee!!! The things we take for granted!!! LOLOL
When I first sobered up and went through a really hard time (Can anyone relate!) a councilor told me this story. I ended up reaching out for help and it saved me life. And I was thinking of missing my group meeting tonight because I feel like crap in everyway. Then I read this post and I get my head out of my butt and I know I am going to my group meeting. Thanks for the reminder.
Things have been extremely challenging for me lately and I finally figured out today that no matter how much help I have, unless I ask for it, and then do something about my situation, then I stay in the same place. Thanks for the post.
Jo-Anne
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I granted myself the gift of sobriety and found my spirit.
