Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    wrappedup's Avatar
    wrappedup Posts: 15, Reputation: 5
    New Member
     
    #1

    Mar 16, 2006, 08:14 AM
    Is it true?
    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's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Mar 16, 2006, 08:26 AM
    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's Avatar
    phillysteakandcheese Posts: 973, Reputation: 356
    Senior Member
     
    #3

    Mar 16, 2006, 08:34 AM
    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's Avatar
    fredg Posts: 4,926, Reputation: 674
    Ultra Member
     
    #4

    Mar 16, 2006, 08:42 AM
    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 too 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, originally used by AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), and is part of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous.
    AA also stands for "attitude adjustment"! I am offering this because 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's Avatar
    wrappedup Posts: 15, Reputation: 5
    New Member
     
    #5

    Mar 16, 2006, 08:45 AM
    Thanks you guys. These words of encouragement is very much needed!
    fredg's Avatar
    fredg Posts: 4,926, Reputation: 674
    Ultra Member
     
    #6

    Mar 16, 2006, 08:56 AM
    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's Avatar
    kp2171 Posts: 5,318, Reputation: 1612
    Uber Member
     
    #7

    Mar 16, 2006, 09:32 AM
    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 I've 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. Don't 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 didn't have before in the people you're helping and the people you are volunteering with. And it doesn't 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 doesn't 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 you're 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? You've already started the task by posting here. You're 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 don't find books on overcoming addiction or books that discuss faith helpful, move into another area that interests you. Again, you're trying to channel the energy you've been wasting into other positive areas in your life. Might seem funny to say so, but I've 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's Avatar
    wrappedup Posts: 15, Reputation: 5
    New Member
     
    #8

    Mar 16, 2006, 09:39 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by fredg
    Hi,
    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.
    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's Avatar
    wrappedup Posts: 15, Reputation: 5
    New Member
     
    #9

    Mar 16, 2006, 09:45 AM
    [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 I've 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. Don't 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's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
    Expert
     
    #10

    Mar 16, 2006, 10:19 AM
    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 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.
    DrJ's Avatar
    DrJ Posts: 1,328, Reputation: 339
    Ultra Member
     
    #11

    Mar 16, 2006, 12:36 PM
    In regards to the original question, yes... absolutely.. I cannot stress it enough. Faith should be the only guide in your life. 100%. I could tell you stories but there are plenty here already. It has helped me through addiction, suicide, death, life, jail, the real wolrd, good times, bad times, ups, downs, strikes, gutters... you get the point.

    As for the 12 steps, there are different versions depending on which group you listen to... the 2 most common AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous). Here are links to both:

    AA: http://www.recovery.org/aa/misc/12steps.html

    NA: http://www.nawol.org/2003_12steps.htm

    Learning and completing these on your own is not recommended and very difficult. If you are struggling with addiction or alcoholism, I suggest finding a local group. You can call these numbers to find groups in your area:

    AA: 212-870-3400

    NA: 818-773-9999
    wrappedup's Avatar
    wrappedup Posts: 15, Reputation: 5
    New Member
     
    #12

    Mar 16, 2006, 01:57 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by DrJizzle
    In regards to the original question, yes... absolutely.. I cannot stress it enough. Faith should be the only guide in your life. 100%. I could tell you stories but there are plenty here already. It has helped me thru addiction, suicide, death, life, jail, the real wolrd, good times, bad times, ups, downs, strikes, gutters... you get the point.

    As for the 12 steps, there are different versions depending on which group you listen to.... the 2 most common AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous). Here are links to both:

    AA: http://www.recovery.org/aa/misc/12steps.html

    NA: http://www.nawol.org/2003_12steps.htm

    Learning and completing these on your own is not recommended and very difficult. If you are stuggling with addiction or alcoholism, I suggest finding a local group. You can call these numbers to find groups in your area:

    AA: 212-870-3400

    NA: 818-773-9999


    Thank you for this information, I will definitely put it to use. Wish me luck...
    Jonegy's Avatar
    Jonegy Posts: 166, Reputation: 37
    Junior Member
     
    #13

    Mar 18, 2006, 04:52 PM
    In answer to the original question - - - - -

    Nope !

    As the song goes "Pick yourself up - Dust yourrelf down - And start all over again" until you encounter another of lifes diverse problems.

    Pray as much as you like - but nothing will happen until you get up off your rear-end and do something about it.

    Gurus, priests and preachers of all religions have a nice little line in platitudes whether from the Torah, Bible, Koran or other scripture and they'll all tell you that "God will provide".

    My personal advice - " Don't hold your breath !!"
    STONY's Avatar
    STONY Posts: 82, Reputation: 11
    Junior Member
     
    #14

    Mar 23, 2006, 08:23 AM
    If I Could Only Tell You How Many Times God Has Pulled My Becon Out Of The Fire And Preserved Me For Another Day It Would Astound You. Yes, Yes, Yes, He Has Saved Me On Numerous Occassons When Justice Is What I Really Deserved. God In His Great Wisdom Chose Mercy On Me.
    Style's Avatar
    Style Posts: 48, Reputation: 7
    Junior Member
     
    #15

    Mar 24, 2006, 07:05 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by 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?
    The 12 steps are useless without a sponsor and a support group. There's a great book called Cracked that I'd check out if you have an addiction problem. Find your local Alcoholics Anonymous,Narcotics Anonymous, or whatever your particular addiction and then you can start your process in becoming clean and sober.

    -Style
    lilfyre's Avatar
    lilfyre Posts: 508, Reputation: 98
    Senior Member
     
    #16

    Mar 24, 2006, 07:11 PM
    Every one has a higher power, just need to find it. Yes my higher power has helped me see my husband though some of his darkest days, and he has celebrated a year sober this past February, and if it had not been for my higher power and the people in the rooms of Al-a-non, AA and Al-A-Teen I would have been divorced many, many years ago.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Is he just using me or is he true [ 15 Answers ]

OK so there's this guy that I used to have a past with last year. And then the other day he stopped by my house to talk and he was like you well I've decided that I want to start over where we left off and the before he left we madeout. I mean I'm really happy and all because I've wanted this...

Is this true? [ 3 Answers ]

Hello everyone I'm 23 years old and I have irregular periods sometimes and a friend of mine told me that this could prevent me from ever having children is that true? Thanks in advance

Is this true? [ 12 Answers ]

All right, is it true that 30% of girls can't have orgasims or is that just false? But OK, Ive been with my boyfriend for about 5 months and I haven't had an orgasm... but, see I know the feeling. Ive had to feeling come many time before but they don't last... what do I do to keeep it! When I...


View more questions Search