Editor’s Corner
Rigorous honesty is the gateway to recovery in SA. At first, I thought that admitting the full extent of my problem and sharing my real history were impossible. What would others think?
Looking at the Sun
Completely exposed before God with a wide open willingness for Him to take away her defects gave her a vital spiritual experience.
Holding Nothing Back
He learned through the Program to be honest in every area of his life. Rigorous honesty with myself is the best medicine for the disease because my disease comes out of denial—lying to myself and others. Before lust, I learned to fantasize and make up fun stories.
A Lot of Courage
Higher Power gives her the courage to turn her whole life over to the will of God. When I hear the words “rigorous honesty,” all kinds of things go through my mind: bringing the inside out, sharing with others, writing Tenth Step inventories, making phone calls, and sharing honestly and sincerely in meetings.
Can’t Leave My Heart Out of It
Honesty helps him take the Steps with sincerity of heart. Honesty starts with my heart. My head is going to think of all kinds of reasons to dodge the truth.
Healing the Wounds in My Life
Her sponsor helped her admit deep resentment towards her adoptive mother. Rigorous is “an adjective that means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.” Rigorous honesty is a commitment to complete truthfulness in all aspects of life, even when it's difficult or has consequences. Phew.
Where Is Your Honesty?
The Steps replace the addictive process with a Program of recovery. This happened almost 20 years ago, when I was just beginning this recovery Program.
Best Caption Contest
Congratulations to Gary L. for winning the Best Caption Contest with his caption, “Coming out from the shell is hard for me too.” He will receive a free copy of the October edition in the mail. Also, congratulations to Gene T.
Coming Next
Our next edition’s theme is “Rigorous Honesty.” The first words in chapter five of the Big Book tell us that recovery is not possible without the capacity to be rigorously honest. What a wonderful gift to know that we can choose honesty for today, and if we are powerless over dishonesty, we can ask God to remove our dishonesty and gain honesty by helping others. We can also seek outside help. The Steps teach me the process by which I can learn to become aware of the truth and to share that truth with others.
