B.) Discuss and reflect on the following concepts:
        a.) those who believe
        b.) those who can't believe
        c.) those who have lost their faith.

C.) Which category do you sometimes or often find yourself, and what steps must you take to change?

This is one of the most enlightening steps, as it explains in full detail what different people go thru in their spiritual exploration. The believer, who sees himself/herself as devout, and who is also an active coe, cannot understand why if he already believes in God it is that he cannot stop overeating. He has made many vain attepts to fight the food, imploring God's help, but the help doesn't come. The book states, "This answer has to do with the quality of faith rather than its quantity. This has been our blind spot. We supposed we had humility when really we hadn't."

Those who can't believe have a big problem because they look down upon religion and spirituality. They have always based their belief on themselves and their own independent thinking, believing that this is all the strength they needed. For them, as it states in the book, "Knowledge was all powerful. Intellect could conquer nature. Since we were brighter than most folks (so we thought), the spoils of victory would be ours for the thinking." Their lesson was and is that "humility and intellect could be compatible, provided we placed humility first."

And, then there are those folks who have lost their faith. The book states, "Sometimes AA comes harder to those who have lost or rejected faith than to those who never had any faith at all, for they think they have tried faith and found it wanting." It is very painful to want something so badly, to know that it will bring you peace...but, still, cannot give yourself to it because it just doesn't fit.

This was me back in the '70's and into the '80's. Yet, what helped me alot is what it states on page 26, "First, Alcoholics Anonymous does not demand that you believe anything. All of its Twelve Steps are but suggestions. Second, to get sober and to stay sober, you don't have to swallow all of Step Two right now. Looking back, I find that I took it piecemeal myself. Third, all you really need is a truly open mind." This page saved me from running ashamedly from the OA rooms. I like this part so much, "His sponsor probably says, Take it easy. The hoop you have to jump through is a lot wider than you think." Yes, there was room for me to change and grow without feeling that I didn't "have it." When I found my Higher Power, it was like finding my way to a safe haven. I will appreciate it always. Someone in OA helped me discover my Higher Power. She had me make a list of all that I would want from a HP of my understanding. When I did...she simply said, "This is Shana's HP." AND WHY NOT???

God bless this program. It has given me a life that works.

Love in recovery,