The Similarities

So, trying to maintain anonymity and all, I won't mention where or who in this.  I have been attending A.A. meetings daily and also found a meeting specifically for Jewish alcoholics.  I have this book  on the right along with the big book.  I am continually amazed how similar all the lingo is, all the conversation.  In this book pictured, it mentions how its been a stigma for a Jew to admit to being alcoholic and cites that A.A. has long been thought of as a "Christian" program.  After all, at every meeting, they cite the Lords prayer, you know the one Jesus prayed.  And yet, I hear Christians condemn alcoholics anonymous for not being spiritual or biblical enough.  Some even go so far as to say "it's ONE step", get that and poof, you'll stay sober. 

I can say I have experienced more grace and acceptance in a.a. meetings than I have in years or even in recent months amongst Christians.  I have experienced more faith and surrender as well, way more.  It's hard to believe but that's my observation having taken the step to not just believe what well-meaning people have said in full conviction, and seen and heard with my own eyes and ears. 

I can also say that I was pleasantly surprised to hear that had I not known I was at a synagogue and a specifically Jewish meeting, I would have thought I was in church.  The words grace, faith, miracle, acceptance of G-ds will, and many more phrases were simple and commonly used.  It hurts my heart and yet invigorates it at the same time.  It hurts that the encounters I have had with both Christian and Jew alike, without exception, refuse the company or peace in and with the other.  Both think the other is wrong and so have an agenda when with the other.  Ugh, I cry now at the thought. 

Invigorating because this is so glorious to me, so new, so much more to learn.  No more stagnant places, no more plateau's, at least not for awhile.  I am determined to understand more, to see for myself, not all the things I have been taught...exciting