God as I Understand Him !

God as I Understand Him !

What emotional and inspiring tales of recovery are out there? This instalment of Recovery Radio Network drops you right into a spiritual-themed meeting segment called “God as I Understand Him”, where two long‑sober members share how their ideas about a higher power shifted over time. First up is Ashley B., who came to Alcoholics Anonymous court‑ordered, convinced that “God really wasn’t interested in me” and that religious members had a built‑in advantage.

She talks candidly about tuning out whenever God or “the J word” was mentioned, and how loneliness at 3 a.m., walking past a crack house to the L train, started to crack that resistance. A sponsor’s absence and a blunt question – “How much service work are you doing?” – pushed her towards a more active spiritual life.

Then Bob Edwards shares from 36 years sober, looking back on 28 years of heavy drinking, two years holed up in a beach house, and the guilt of leaving his wife with “a two‑year‑old and a four‑year‑old.” A call from his old drinking buddy Butch, a week of meetings in Ohio, and a simple direction – “Stand up and say, ‘I’m an alcoholic, my name’s Bob Edwards, and I need help’” – opened the door to AA and a new relationship with God.

Ashley later faces her daughter’s genetic disorder and her own history of terminated pregnancies, sharing how her non‑religious father told her, “You were chosen by this child,” helping her see purpose in her work, family, and sobriety. For her, “God, as I understand him now, is you all” – the fellowship, the shared prayers, and the hum of love in the room.

Sponsors, daily meetings, and praying on his knees grew into a more constant connection where “my prayer life today is more of a thank you… in the moment.” You’ll hear a mix of humour, tears, family reconciliation, and long‑term recovery that’s especially relatable if you’re in a 12‑step programme or supporting someone who is. How might your own idea of a higher power grow if you let other people’s stories in?