As a part of my job, on a semi regular basis, I get to attend and observe meetings of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These are meetings that I look forward to, but today's was a little different. Today I was able to attend and observe a 4 hour Service meeting. I was able to hear about the many services that AA has nationally and then for the second half I enjoyed seeing different services showing of what they do to small groups of individuals. They do so much in the prisons and the schools along with their regular meetings. A part of recovery is giving back so that others can also find recovery.
The group that interested me the most was the one that sought to meet the needs of those with any type of disabilities. This group allowed attendees to try wheelchairs and crutches in miniature races (which turned out to be quite entertaining!). They also spoke of helping those with dyslexia, those with mental illness, and even those who had hearing or seeing difficulties. They spoke of safety within the groups and of course anonymity. It was all about meeting the needs of the individuals who would walk into the rooms seeking help in times of desperation. They strive to create a warm and safe environment.
It got me thinking about church, real church. I'm not sure that I know of many congregations that go to the extent that AA goes to in order to accommodate and help people, but I do know that many churches do try. Many for example reach out to the orphans, the developmentally challenged, those that are in wheelchairs, and even the hard of hearing with earphones. Mental illness, not so much, but on many issues they do a great job.
But in my heart, I knew that there was something more to AA than what I find in many congregations. When I attend the meetings I feel at home. I feel welcomed. Quite frankly, even though it is strictly not a religious organization, I feel like I am in a true Church. There are two reasons on why I feel so comfortable there.
First, everyone is welcoming. It is inclusive and they strive to be that way. Newcomers are welcome and the old timers continue to come. Many of these folks meet on a daily basis for meetings and share snacks and coffee.There are people of every color. There are females and males. There are people of every sexual orientation. People of every religious and political belief attend, There is no hierarchy - everyone is on the same level and everyone shares the duties that need to be done. Anyone is allowed to share and none is allowed to interrupt. When the stories are shared everyone nods their head and they laugh and sometimes they cry. This is family.
Second, and more profoundly for me, everyone is broken. People have come and they continue to come because they know that they are powerless over the alcohol, or drugs or some other addiction. Each person comes because they know that for that day, they need their "Higher Power" to help them once again. They need the power of the group to be of an encouragement to not go back to that addiction again. And because they are all seeking the same thing, there is no pride, no hierarchy, no condemnation. In fact, one of my favorite things to see is a man or a woman coming back to a meeting and sharing that they fell - they picked up the drink again after a time of sobriety. It is a blessed time because that individual is welcomed with open arms, is given a new 24 hour chip, is loved and encouraged. No condemnation for failure, only love.
People know of my disdain for the American politicized Church. Of course I am speaking in general. There are some fine congregations out there serving Jesus faithfully. But the overall Church in America is in trouble. Many congregations are not inclusive and welcoming. Certain perceived sins will keep individuals from being welcomed. Certain colors of skin will keep one out. If one does not have 100% compliance with theology or political beliefs, they are shunned. Most congregations do a terrible job with mental illness.
When I attend different churches I see so much religious pride. Homosexuality is the issue of the day and that is only for one reason: so that individuals do not have to look at the sins of their own lives. Sins of gluttony, pride, drunkenness, sexual immorality, lust and envy. We come to church with that holier than thou attitude where at least "we are not like them" and so God must be better pleased with us. The individual who falls into sin often times is not loved and welcomed and encouraged. They are condemned or shunned. At least most places that I have been.
Which brings me back to AA. I love to attend when I can. I feel God's presence in these meetings. I need that presence for I am a broken person in so many ways just like every other individual there. People know why I am there and they welcome me as I observe and as I listen. I nod with the group as we hear a story of brokenness. It may not be our exact story, but we know. There is no pride thinking that anyone has attained recovery. It's one humble day at a time. The individual with one day of recovery and the one with 20 years of recovery are both seen as equal, because either one could fail that very day. But even if they do fail, they are welcomed back the very next meeting. They are loved, encouraged and hugged. They receive their 24 hour chip and they continue on.
That is Church, not in the religious sense of course. And yet, that is where I feel more intimately in God's presence. In the middle of brokenness, He can be found. God looks for the humble, broken spirit and contrite heart, for the one that acknowledges without hesitation that they are powerless over whatever addiction of the brain that they may have. Psalm 51:17.
Blessings
David
No comments:
Post a Comment