His Way is a rigorous academic as well as self-reflective journey. This is particularly challenging to men who enter through addiction who have not used their reading, writing, and reasoning skills for many years.
Because addiction is recognized as a brain disease, this academic approach is intentionally designed to help reprogram their “broken brain” toward sobriety by revitalizing portions of their brain that have become dormant over the years as well as reprogramming new neuropathways for healthier living.
Some resist this challenge because it requires too much work. For many it is intimidating. For some, their pride does not allow them to pursue the uncomfortable. But many humbly embrace this challenge and are changed.
More Than Sobriety
So how, then, do those with educational disabilities complete the academic parts of the program? Well, let me tell you about a couple of men who are currently in our program. They represent many who have achieved transformation over the years.
We have one brother in the program who is legally blind. He can only read one word at a time with a huge magnifying glass. He just received his white band this week, meaning that he has entered the fourth of five phases of the program. He always pursues solutions instead of excuses as he humbly seeks assistance from his fellow brothers along the way. We do not minimize the standards due to his disability but provide resources for him to succeed. I believe his growing pride in these accomplishments are key to his newfound sobriety.
Anthony has been illiterate for nearly forty years due to a tragic auto accident at the age of 26. The accident left him incapacitated, but he eventually resumed all his functions except the reasoning skills of reading and writing. Yet because he openly humbled himself to receive assistance from the staff and residents who helped read to him and write his answers, he just completed his first thirty days of the program. He is thrilled because he has never been sober for this long as an adult.
I had the opportunity to help him through his third step work the other night. As I read the step work information to him while running my finger along every word, I noticed he was pronouncing all the words with me. I intentionally slowed down my reading of the words and noticed he was actually pronouncing them before me. I eventually stopped and had him read – on his own and out loud – the third step prayer in the material. I ran my finger along the words, and he read the entire prayer on his own. I declared, “You are a reader!” He grinned with his big toothless smile and gave me a high five. I was never so moved and grateful for the privilege God has given me to serve these men.
Anthony will graduate this nine-month academically rigorous program with not only abstinence from alcohol and drugs, but with literacy. Armed with literacy, there is no telling what he may accomplish. This is our vision of sobriety, a transformed life!
Gratitude & Joy
As I reflect on these two men’s journey of recovery, I am impressed with their humility and their willingness to ask for and receive help. It has not only blessed them, but every resident and staff member who has had the privilege to serve them. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.”
Due to their humility to receive these gifts, I see incredible gratitude and joy that just exudes from them. It is truly contagious!
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul emphasizes the attributes a Christian should put on as a follower and representative of Jesus. As I reflected on them – compassion, kindness, meekness, patience, bearing with others, forgiving, and love – they are all rooted in the fundamental trait of humility, putting others before yourself.
Paul goes on to highlight various actions these newly character clad followers practice like a Christ ruled heart, dwelling in the words of Christ, and all actions done in the name of Jesus. All three of these are coupled with gratitude, a giving of thanks.
Unfortunately, the closed fist of pride will not allow one to receive blessings and perceive anything for which to be grateful.
Genuine thanksgiving can only come to those who are willing to humbly receive His gifts.
May your humility bless you with gratitude this Thanksgiving season!
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