I recently came to a greater understanding of that phrase used in the introduction in many meetings – ‘It is our weakness, not strength, which brings us together.’ I usually squirmed at the notion of weakness, and though I could admit to being weak at the sight of food, I didn’t like to be reminded of it. But recently my Higher Power taught me a rich and gentle lesson about what weakness means for me in OA. At work I was having a very difficult time with a certain project. I even applied for another job, hoping life would be more serene somewhere else, but something in me suggested that I should just ask for help rather than jump ship. So, contrary to my usual display of ‘togetherness,’ I let my manager in on my feelings. I shared my lack of confidence, and when I told him how he could help, he said he would. Wow.
Soon I had to grapple with my school courses and make arrangements for the following quarter. I asked a faculty member, whom I had only met once, for help. He said he could. Hmm. Then I finally noticed that my food was shaky during this time. I called an OA member from my meeting who seemed quite serene; I asked her if she would help me analyze my food habits and make any suggestions that seemed appropriate. She said yes. Okay. By then I realised that my Higher Power was doing for me what I could not do for myself. In each of these situations I presented myself as being in need of help instead of having it altogether (Step 1); I realized that I could not do it alone and that there was a power greater than myself who could help (Step 2); and I decided to ask that power, in the form of other people, for help (Step 3). Thank you, Higher Power, for the awareness that you always find ways to give me what I need.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS ®, INC.
From: Lifeline April 1995
Copyright 2019 by Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
Reprinted by permission of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
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