Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Once willing, is it a simple transition to have our shortcomings removed by asking? Humility is important here. God must be approached gently, as in the St. Francis Prayer. Grace plays into the asking and receiving of Step 7.

Humility is not low self-esteem, but an awareness of putting our asking in a framework of willingness, a willingness to live in a way that’s not all about ME.

The need to take drugs or drink alcohol dissipates after some people take this step. Suddenly the need to identify with others to cure is over. But God will respond to your call for help.

What is not humility is to think this life is my life, that I am in control, or that I am God.

How do I free myself from these limitations, materialism, preoccupation with the past or future?

Surrender: Asking for things, money, jobs are no longer going to save me. Instead, where and what I can give will free me from the addictive cycle of bondage.

Service: without attachment to outcome. Limits are replaced with limitlessness. We plug into a consciousness higher than ourselves.

All of this is accomplished by humbly asking to have our shortcomings removed. We do this with an awareness of our relative insignificance in the larger scheme of things. We merge our willingness with a consciousness rising from inner spirit.

Change is at the heart of these steps. What do I want to change? Will I actually do it? Do I commit to the change that will shake me free?

OM