new step 5 info

Positive-based emphasis on the 4th and 5th steps.




However, as we broach the topic on non-completed moral inventories, this is as good a place as any to emphasize that the inventory should not only be about looking at our negative qualities. Regardless of whether we were addicted or not, or were non-loving, impatient, dishonest or whatever, there are not many people who are totally devoid of any endearing qualities. I’ve met and heard of people who, in the midst of addictions, were still taking care of very sick and almost totally dependent parents, partners or loved ones. Of course we have to look at our negative qualities as they are blocking us off from the sunshine of God’s guidance and love, but that love never wavers and never stops shining. Perhaps when we keep that in mind -- and understand that as we look at these negatives we also realize and take heart in the fact that the Creator still loves us -- the work of the inventory becomes a gravitational, with-the-flow exercise. It becomes not a re-entry into the Creator’s kingdom, but more a realization we’d never left.

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But again -- we need to remember, as we enumerate these negative qualities, to also note the times when we were unselfish, were honest, or displayed love and/or courage at a difficult time. As we step out into the shattered ice of our seemingly non-connected life, clinging to the branch of the good that we did do regardless of how infrequent it was, we are really honoring and grasping the life-sustaining love of our Higher Power.