February 23, 2011
My Dear People,
I remember first hearing people in A.A. meetings speak of "control." There were always sympathetic nods and grunts around the room. I, however, had no earthly idea what they were talking about.
Listening further, in time I came to understand that this "control" was at odds with recognizing how "powerless" the alcoholic is over alcohol and, indeed, just how powerless any person is over much else as well.
What, after all, do we really have control over? And isn't most of the "control" we think we have really an illusion?
Walter Brueggeman has said, "The world for which you have been so carefully prepared is being taken away from you by the grace of God."
God would liberate us from the illusion of control, freeing us to live lives of authenticity and of faith, trusting that God empowers us to do his will.
And, meanwhile, that we must leave the rest to others, and, yes, to God.
Your brother in Christ,
Wallace+
