tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543355.post4084340347924882328..comments2023-11-15T17:55:18.051-05:00Comments on MarkDaniels.Blogspot.com: Those Funny Church Words: GRACEMark Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18205344762960756655noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543355.post-83260395285640117912007-08-28T15:56:00.000-04:002007-08-28T15:56:00.000-04:00"There but by the grace of God go I" A comment I m..."There but by the grace of God go I" A comment I make each time I stumble across a particularly pitiful soul stretched across a park bench unconscious or pan handling on a busy city street. <BR/><BR/>I was struck by the honesty and reality of this post...I have a friend in the program who refuses to look at his behavior and what part he plays in his own destiny. As a result he is 5 years "sobah" (as we say here in Boston) and facing a messy divorce, joblessness and now soon the loss of his condo. <BR/><BR/>He, like me, suffers from a condition which renders him selfish and self centered. This in turn renders us unable to accept the truth about our place...our role on this planet. <BR/><BR/>It is through humility and service I am becoming a better man, faith without works is dead. As I progress towards my final destiny I have learned I need to continue to grow along spiritual lines or I will begin to go backwards and soon enough I will surely perish.<BR/><BR/>God makes His presence, His Grace, known in my life by taking things away. If I am growing along spiritual lines I am receiving God's grace. Because I am so selfish and self centered I lose site of this. I begin to believe it is through my hard work and dedication. I let up. <BR/><BR/>God, Karma...fate...the result of my no longer growing...whatever you want to call it...rewards me by taking things away. This happens every time. Eventually, I will be just like my brothers and sisters on the street if I do not continue to grow.<BR/><BR/>This is a tall order. In a way...unfair. Why do those who do not have a disease, like alcoholism...get to spend all their weekends dancing and singing without a care in the world? Why do I have to help others...and take such good care of myself...<BR/><BR/>Honestly? Who cares? Life isn't fair...but I am lucky enough to be graced with a disease that has a treatment which works...so God gives us what we can handle and we press on. <BR/><BR/>I was warmed to see your comment...I wonder how you noticed so fast I am back. <BR/><BR/>God Bless You. <BR/><BR/>-JakeFalter Egohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12788381346433013323noreply@blogger.com