By George E. Buttner - Heartwood Creations

                                                    “A WAY OUT”

                                     ---------------------------------------

Understanding the 12-Steps as a way out (a spiritual recovery) from any type of addiction, especially alcohol; is the premise of this essay. Alcoholism has been around since the beginning of time itself. In recorded history it is mentioned often in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Even God has told Adam and Eve not to eat of this tree. It is a poisonous Serpent who bites like an Adder, and you will surely die.

 Born from the forbidden fruit rotting in the orchards, cooked into a vapor and returned as a liquid, alcohol is a curse upon man without cure, a labyrinth of ugly twist and turns, an endless maze of dead-ends, which descends deeper and darker with every shot glass emptied. Even Solomon in all his wisdom died a drunkard spouting wisdom from his vineyard with the Shulamite maidens. However, this study guide is not a sermon on the Bible, I merely point out the scope and magnitude of alcohols’ lethal existence on man.

In modern times-as it was then; for the drunkard leaning against the gutter lamp post, there has also been a very perplexing avenue of escape hidden in plain view. A way out is written in our hearts - a narrow path God-given at birth that dwells within us all. At A.A. meetings we tell the newcomer, join us, and the Higher Power, as we walk out together.

Some of us heartier alcoholics now stand vigilant at the gate and will at times, descend back down into the muddleheaded throes of a sick alcoholic and haul him out of the maze. It was at my lowest ebb, that an opening appeared and I was snatched from its grip.

Breaking our own anonymity to help the weary sufferer dispels the stigma of denial. Wellness in conjunction with the 12-Steps offers the alcoholic another encouraging step toward his or her own truth. Now, I often take my turn at unlocking that secret opening…

Opening our minds to new ideas means we try something new, and if it works, then we expand on it to suit our needs. A.A. does work; the trick is to allow yourself the gift of time for a satisfactory recovery to take hold. We can hope or wish for a recovery all we want, but sobriety is only granted to those who get up and do it, one day at a time.

Planting such seeds in the garden of recovery can only bring a more lasting sobriety. Working in the fields of quiet and the furrows of calmness, we begin to harvest the better fruit in life. Preparation is a plan carried out, and the 12-Steps are the blueprint.

I sow these God given seeds of recovery with each breath I take. Keep in mind, faith in a Higher Power without works is dead, so come and join the feast.

Some of you might still be out in the cold wishing for the mellow tones of Jack in the Beanstalk’s, Golden Harp, and wouldn’t mind curling up to a warm fire to read all about the God intervening Act of Providence given to me, now recorded in my latest book, soon to be released, “Mending a Shattered life.” However, if you do not do the work or if you think, the tried and true suggestions offered here in this blueprint are not for you, then throw it into the fireplace; at least then, my miracle will keep you warm.