Jo Bower's Blog

A friend told of her daughter who had a set-back in a recovery process:
She set aside one day to just feel sorry for herself.
“I know it’s going to be okay,” she said.
But she just needed some time to deal with it emotionally.

It reminded me of something I’ve taught young teens
And have come to practice.
It’s a theory I have that combines solid recovery practices
With the practice of letting God handle our hurts.

For each situation, I’m allowed one whine:
Just one “Why me?”
Or “No, no, no, no… this can’t be.”
Just one truly emotional response – to get it out of my system.

But it’s more than just that.
It’s acknowledging I accept the situation as it exists.
I’m not going to suppress it, gloss it over, or go into denial.
I will accept its reality and deal with it head on.

One whine, one deep breath,
And
“God, I can’t do this alone.”
And I’ve turned the corner, away from despair.

Maybe it’s just me, but for me, I’m not ready to put in practice
The ‘just do it’ motivational speakers’ messages,
The quotes about victorious living,
The truisms about letting God handle everything,

Until I’ve had my one whine.
And then I’m ready.
I lift my head, and turn my face to God
And give it to him.