Recovery, LGBT and in the news

Gay porn performer Cameron Fox dead at 36

EDGE on the Net: June 18, 2014 - Gay Porn Star Cameron Fox Dead at 36 :: EDGE on the Net.

Gay Pennsylvania rep Brian Sims: "One man and his faith" blocking state's non-discrimination bill

The New Civil Rights Movement: June 18, 2014 - Brian Sims: ‘One Person And His Faith’ Blocking Pennsylvania’s Non-Discrimination Bill (Video) | The New Civil Rights Movement.

Commentary: Why we still need Gay Pride

Huffington Post: June 18, 2014 - Why Gay Pride Is Still Needed, According To LGBT Rights Advocate Alan Reif.

The Good Men Project: An open letter to black men who love other black men

The Good Men Project: June 18, 2014 - An Open Letter To Same Gender Loving Black Men -.

Obama flexes executive power to install "largest expansion of LGBT workplace protections"

The New Civil Rights Movement: June 18, 2014 - Obama Executive Order Is ‘Single Largest Expansion Of LGBT Workplace Protections’ | The New Civil Rights Movement.

Texas judge denies gay dads parental rights to biological sons

LGBTQ Nation: June 18, 2014 - Judge denies Texas dads parental rights to biological twin sons – LGBTQ Nation.

Catholic church in Michigan bars gay man from mass after commitment ceremony

LGBTQ Nation: June 18, 2014 - Catholic church bars gay man from mass following commitment ceremony – LGBTQ Nation.

June 18, 2014 - Step by Step

Step by Step
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
 
" ...I am deeply convinced that so long as I continue to strive, in my bumbling way, toward the principles I first encountered in the earlier chapters of this book, this remarkable power will continue to flow through me. What is this power? With my AA friends, all I can say is that it's a power greater than myself. If pressed further, all I can do is follow the psalmist who said it long, long before me: 'Be still, and know that I am God.'" - Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 16 ("Me an Alcoholic?"), p 437.

Today, if I am skeptical about a power stronger than myself, grant me the courage to let go of what I know to be stronger than me - alcohol - and go on blind faith that striving for the principles of the Program will lead me to that greater power for good. It is the course followed by agnostics and those who rejected the label "alcoholic" in their stories in the Big Book. In their private journeys, they found the strength and courage to strive toward the Program's principles before their skepticism was displaced by belief in that power of good which is stronger than any of us. Today, despite any reluctance to surrender to that stronger power, I will move on with the faith that one day, I, too, will find and embrace my Higher Power. And our common journey continues. Step by step. - Chris M., 2014

June 18, 2014 - Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
 
AA Thought for the Day
The AA way of living is not an easy one. But it's an adventure in living that is really worthwhile. And it's so much better than our old drunken way of living that there's no comparison. Our lives without AA would be worth nothing. With AA, we have a chance to live reasonably good lives. It's worth the battle, no matter how tough the going is from day to day.

Isn't it worth the battle?

Meditation for the Day
The spiritual life has two parts. One is the life apart, the life of prayer and quiet communion with God. You spend this part of your life apart with God. Every day your mind can be set in the right direction so that your thoughts will be of the right kind. The other is the life impart - imparting to others what you have learned from your own meditative experience. The victories you have won over yourself through the help of God can be shared with others. You can help them by imparting to them some of the victory and security which you have gained in your life apart.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may grow strong from my times apart with God. I pray that I may pass on some of this strength to others.

Hazelden Foundation

June 18, 2014 - A Day at a Time

A Day at a Time
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
 
Reflection for the Day
I believe today that I have a right to make spiritual progress. I have a right to be emotionally mature. I have a right to take pleasure in my own company, and that makes me more pleasant to be with. I also have a right to become willing - deeply willing, entirely willing - to make amends to all those I've harmed. Because I can now accept myself the way I am, I can accept other people the way they are - not entirely, but to a much greater degree than in the past.

Have I begun to make friends with God, and thus with myself?

Today I Pray
May God show me that it's okay to like myself, even while trying to repair old wrongs and rebuild from splinters. May I keep telling myself that I am different now, I have changed, I am a better and wiser and healthier person, I have made some good choices. As this "new person," may I find it easier to make atonements for what happened long ago and in another spiritual place. May those I have wronged also find it easier to accept my amends.

Today I Will Remember
It's okay to like myself.

Hazelden Foundation