Do You Believe?

You either "believe" in something, or "know" it... You can't do both.

If I encounter a new chair, I may believe it to be well made and structurally sound. In turn, I will believe it can hold my weight, but I won't KNOW it until I sit down.

Once I sit, I no longer "believe" in the soundness of the chair, I "know" it.

The same goes with sobriety. In my early days of sobriety, I believed the steps would lead me to emotional and spiritual freedom. I believed my life would improve should I practice the principles of sobriety. I believed... but I didn't know.

It wasn't until I went through the process, year by year, one step at a time, that I came to "know" that the Promises were true.

Now, with over 20 years under my belt and solid knowledge (not belief), I do my best to lead New Comers from belief into knowledge. I must lead by example to show them the reality of a better life through God, the Steps, and sobriety.

For those who would argue that "belief" in God is enough, I would ask, "Do you believe in God... or do you know Him?"