I've heard people say that our higher power has helped them through troubled times. I never gave my faith a chance. Can anyone tell me if their faith has helped them through troubled times, fight addiction, helped them to become better people... happier people?

RickJ

Absolutely. A relationship with the creater of the Universe, and the knowledge that He indeed cares for me makes all the difference in the world.

Add to that that despite what trouble or grief I might have here, I know it is temporary.

When you have someone to go through tough times with you, those tough times always go smoother. Add to that that the "someone" who is with you
is all powerful is a bonus!

My faith is based on love, period. And I can say that even religion aside, attempting to live by "love your neighbor as yourself" and "doing unto others as they would do unto you" has immesurable rewards.

Granted, I sometimes fail...

Of course volumes and volumes are written on this subject, so no doubt my few words can't tell it all...

phillysteakandcheese

There's a really nice flash presentation that I think really connects faith with the rest of life and the universe: http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/

I've seen other variations of it too, but I think the core message is the same.

fredg

Hi,
The words "higher power" is part of the 12 twelve steps of Recovery. It means come to believe in God (a Higher Power, As I understand Him).
In my opinion, and many, many others, Prayer is the most powerful force in the World.
Coming to believe in a Power Much Greater Than I, and practicing those beliefs have led both me and my wife to much greater happiness, and a willingness to share our experiences with others. Prayer has become part of my life, at least in the morning, then again at night.
One has to have honesty, willingness, and open mindedness, to try using it. Coming to Believe is an essential part of any 12 Step Program, orginally used by AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), and is part of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous.
AA also stands for "attitude adjustment"! I am offering this becuase part of your question related to addiction, and coming to believe in a power greater than ourselves.
I do wish you the best, and if you have any further questions, please just ask. I am sure you will get many answers to your question.

wrappedup

Thanks you guys. These words of encouragement is very much needed!

fredg

Hi, wrappedup,
You are quite welcome. I do wish you the best. If you wish more specifics, please ask again with whatever you wish.

kp2171

my faith has certainly helped me most in times of need. when things are most intense, such as when my wife was sick, my son was born, or my grandfather died,good times and bad, these are the times when its easiest to reach out.

i have a few suggestions.

your journey of faith is a personal one. i have gone through times without being tied to any particular congregation... and ive at times, like now, attended a particular church and been a member of the congregation as well. while it can be intimidating to reach out and look for a place of worship when you already have a lot on your plate, at least consider it. it can provide a social network and resources to help you through your time of need. there are people there who spend their life trying to help others in need. dont be afraid to seek help.

even those who are not religious would likely agree that a social network can be a key component to happiness. it helps us get grounded.

i did some charity work several years ago, helping feed the homeless. i later worked with tutoring inner city children who needed help with school work. i have found that doing charity or social work is a great way to ground yourself. it gives you a sense of purpose and direction. it gives you a social network you didnt have before in the people you're helping and the people you are volunteering with. and it doesnt take a lot of time or energy.

so you might consider taking a little time... it can be once every week or two... to do some social or charitable work. you'll be surprised at how fast you feel better about yourself and how this alone can get you grounded. it doesnt take a lot of time or commitment and the payback is big.

also you need to make some lists. a list of what you want to change. a list of what you like about yourself and want to become. write it down. think about it. then write down the things youre going to do to eliminate those things you dislike. what steps will you take and when. do the same for the list of things you want to become or accomplish.

writing down these things is a simple, but sometimes powerful way to keep on track. we write out lists for the grocery store, for holiday gifts, for all of the other daily to-do's... why not for yourself? youve already started the task by posting here. youre thinking and trying to figure out a way to get to a better spot.

finally... if you are uncomfortable getting formal help, counseling or addiction programs, go to your library. you can find books that will help you. knowledge really is power. so get it. if you dont find books on overcoming addiction or books that discuss faith helpful, move into another area that interests you. again, youre trying to channel the energy youve been wasting into other positive areas in your life. might seem funny to say so, but ive found that a few trips to the library can occasionally get me thinking about things differently and get me in a new direction.

best regards.

wrappedup

I could really use those 12 steps. I'd love to give it a try. Can you tell me them? Or where I can get them?

wrappedup

[quote=kp2171]my faith has certainly helped me most in times of need. when things are most intense, such as when my wife was sick, my son was born, or my grandfather died,good times and bad, these are the times when its easiest to reach out.

i have a few suggestions.

your journey of faith is a personal one. i have gone through times without being tied to any particular congregation... and ive at times, like now, attended a particular church and been a member of the congregation as well. while it can be intimidating to reach out and look for a place of worship when you already have a lot on your plate, at least consider it. it can provide a social network and resources to help you through your time of need. there are people there who spend their life trying to help others in need. dont be afraid to seek help.


Once again, I thank you. Reaching out and to look for a place of worship can be intimidating and yes it does feel like I already have so much on my plate. But I feel this burning need for it. I know I am a better person and start living like one I'm trying to find the right tools. I think I'm on the right path as of today. I hope I can continue to have the strength to keep going.
Thanks again.

Fr_Chuck

There are of course some of us that can say that faith has helped them do many things. I personally had a seroius drinking problem, I would wake up and go to get a drink before I had breakfest, and lunch was usually drank also. I was a functioning drunk, worked every day, never got a DUI and actually did well in my job ( not sure how or why)

But I walked away, never had a problem, never went back. But often it is not that easy and when it is not, and you are in a system or plan to stop, God is there to help.

I have been in the ER of a small hospital with a 4 year old with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. I have seen a group of church elders pray over the boy and you could see the spots disappear as they prayed.

Even today, every day God takes care of varoius needs, our mission here in Sparta is operated off of pure faith. We have no sourse of income to pay our rent, our lights, I take no pay at all. Well each month, it may be the morning the bill is due or will be over due, but a check, cash, or some credit to the bank account will happen to pay the bill.

God is great, but what happens, is what you will hear all the time.
"well I have tried everything else, I may as well pray" if they had prayed to start with perhaps one of the other things would have worked for them first.