Step 4 involves uncovering the things we have been hiding, even from ourselves....It is only by uncovering the hidden parts of ourselves that we will be able to change the outer person, including our addictive/compulsive behaviours. These are words from the commentator in the Life Recovery Bible regarding Step 4.
I like the analogy of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden after committing the first sin (eating the forbidden fruit). They immediately noticed their vulnerability as shame set in to start the emotional destruction we learn so much about as we recover from our illnesses. It always interested me how there was simple bliss until we (Adam+Eve in this case) decided to do something we knew was not right. Shortly afterward comes the shame and usually the blaming as well. Adam and Eve knew now that they must COVER up and so humanity has spent the rest of our time trying to uncover and correct the damage that we do to ourselves by burying our flaws and blunders.
So I guess the point of it all (Step 4 that is), is getting at what is wrong on the inside so we can survive reasonably happily on the outside. We start this process by "taking an inventory of ourselves.
"Lord, please remind us of Your ever present nature as we search and uncover the many areas of our life that require attention and action. Help us to a gentle awareness that will clearly point out the direction we must take to move ahead, come closer to and serve You to our utmost-Amen"
Use two-way prayer to determine direction. Write listen write listen!. Have a fellow 12 stepper do the writing and praying while you listen and express. Guaranteed wonderful results. Hundreds of thousands of those who have gone before us tell us so!
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