Step 3
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood God.

In AA we decide to follow a Higher Power of our own understanding.
That decision stems from the ABC's of Steps 1 and 2.

a) that we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.
b) that probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.
c) that God could and would if sought. 


Three Thoughts about Step 3

 First Thought

The Big Book states that the first requirement of Step 3 is that we
"be convinced that ANY life run on self-will can hardly be a success."  

In all honesty, I thought of someone as successful who was self-made,
especially radical artists, truth seekers, rebels, fringe personalities who "saw through" accepted paradigms.  
At that time, I didn't understand my concept as one lauding prestige, power, ego, control. 

Now I see someone as successful:
who has the courage to be "a small part of a great whole",
whether at work, in Alcoholics Anonymous, in the family, in a neighborhood;
who sees the truth of their identity as a child of God, among other children of God,
with unique gifs and talents;
who knows and does the work necessary to stay in that identity;
who know their ultimate purpose is to love and serve God's kids;
who tries to practice spiritual principles, such as:
honesty, willingness, faith, humility, justice, love, service, surrender.
Sponsors are a success, for example.
I am happiest with my sponsees when they try to carry, transmit, channel the message to someone else.
Yes, this is a practical way of life!


 Second Thought

The Big Book states that I have a "new Employer."

"We had a new Employer.
Being all powerful, God provided what we needed,
IF we kept close to God and performed God's work well.
Established on such a footing
we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs.
More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life.
As we felt new power flow in,
as we enjoyed peace of mind,
as we discovered we could face life successfully,
as we became conscious of God's presence,
we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.
We were reborn."  
(Step 3 Promises, Big Book page 63)

"Jobs" come and go.
I waitressed, then sold shoes, then became a teacher, consultant, writer,
Yet, my Employer has remained the same.
My job and purpose have remained constant,
to work the Steps.
God's love is unconditional; God's provision is not. 


Third Thought

The Big Book states that this decision:

"could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort
​to face and be rid of the things in ourselves which have been blocking us." (Step Four)

I am making a decision to work Step 4.
The Step 3 decision is essentially a commitment to trust the process, to trust God:
G.O.D.
Good Orderly Direction
which means to "immediately launch" into Step 4 emPowered by my Higher Power.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not into your own understanding;
In all your ways, acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD (the disease) and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones."
Proverbs 3:5-7