Recovery, LGBT and in the news

Presbyterian Church votes to allow ministers to preside over gay marriage ceremonies

Associated Press: June 19, 2014 - Presbyterian Church takes major steps toward recognizing same-sex marriage – LGBTQ Nation.

Video: Jon Stewart lampoons Texas GOP's endorsement of "gay conversion" therapy

LGBTQ Nation: June 19, 2014 - Jon Stewart lampoons Texas GOP’s endorsement of ‘gay cure’ therapy – LGBTQ Nation.

Luxembourg becomes 11th European country to legalize same-sex marriage

LGBTQ Nation: June 19, 2014 - Luxembourg legislature votes to legalize same-sex marriage, adoption – LGBTQ Nation.

Federal appeals court to hear same-sex marriage cases from four states Aug. 6

The New Civil Rights Movement: June 19, 2014 - Appeals Court Will Hear Same-Sex Marriage Cases From Four States August 6 | The New Civil Rights Movement.

College football player booted from team after coming out as gay

The New Civil Rights Movement: June 19, 2014 - Gay College Football Player Comes Out — Gets Kicked Off Team | The New Civil Rights Movement.

Beleaguered NOM in new partnership with archbishop, other elites

The New Civil Rights Movement: June 19, 2014 - Bombshell: NOM, In Secret Partnership With Catholic Archbishop, Other Elites, Forms New Group | The New Civil Rights Movement.

Most Americans opposed to gay marriage don't much care anyway

The New Civil Rights Movement: June 19, 2014 - Americans Opposed To Same-Sex Marriage Don’t Really Care Much About It Anyway | The New Civil Rights Movement.

Related articles

Legalizing same-sex marriage does not equal acceptance

June 19, 2014 - Step by Step

Step by Step
Thursday, June 19, 2014
 
" ...(O)ur troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn't think so. Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us!" - Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 5 ("How It Works"), p 62.

Today, I ask myself if I can truly believe and accept that my troubles are of my own creation and that selfishness is the binding tie, as the Program's co-founders theorize. Before and during my drinking days, I ran my life on my terms, my rules, my wants, needs, expectations and desires. And always, the results were disastrous and, if I am to be thoroughly honest, turned progressively worse. To whom or what, then, do I entrust my life if I can't run it? Herein is the introduction to the concept of a Higher Power, an entity that is stronger than I, or God as we understand Him. And even if I do not or cannot yet believe in a Higher Power or God, my willingness to at least be open to the possibility is a beginning - toward humility. Today, I will at least be open to the possibility that something higher and wiser than I can run my life better than me. And our common journey continues. Step by step. - Chris M., 2014

June 19, 2014 - Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Thursday, June 19, 2014
 
AA Thought for the Day
We have this choice every day of our lives. We can take the path that leads to insanity and death. And remember, our next drunk could be our last one. Or we can take the path that leads to a reasonably happy and useful life. The choice is ours each day of our lives. God grant that we take the right path.

Have I made my choice today?

Meditation for the Day
Your real work in life is to grow spiritually. To do this you must follow the path of diligently seeking good. The hidden spiritual wonders are revealed to those who diligently seek this treasure. From one point to the next, you have to follow the way of obedience to God's will until finally you reach greater and greater spiritual heights. Work on the material plane should be secondary to your real life's work. The material things which you need most are those which help you to attain the spiritual.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may keep growing spiritually. I pray that I may make this my real life's work.

Hazelden Foundation

June 19, 2014 - A Day at a Time

A Day at a Time
Thursday, June 19, 2014
 
Reflection for the Day
The Program teaches us that only one consideration should qualify our desire to completely disclose the damage we've done. And that's where a full revelation would seriously harm the one to whom we're making amends. Or, just as important, other people. We can hardly unload a detailed account of extramarital misadventures, for example, on the shoulders of an unsuspecting wife or husband. When we recklessly make the burdens of others heavier, such actions surely can't lighten our own burden. Sometimes, in that sense, "telling all" may be almost a self-indulgence for us. So in making amends, we should be tactful, sensible, considerate, and humble - without being servile.

As a child of God, do I stand on my feet and not crawl before anyone?

Today I Pray
May God show me that self-hatred has no role in making amends to others. Neither has the play-acting of self-indulgence. I ask most humbly for His guidance as I strive to maintain a mature balance in interpersonal relations, even in the most casual or fragile ones.

Today I Will Remember
Making amends is mending.

Hazelden Foundation