Rely on the Lord

The church has a really great program for overcoming addictions. Over the past couple years, I've heard a lot of really great things about the program, and how it is helpful even if you don't struggle with addiction. After all - aren't we all trying to overcome the natural man and come closer to Christ?

After a string of difficult parenting moments where I did not act in a way to honor the sacred calling of fatherhood, I decided to work through the program for myself. I've been working on the program a night or two a week, studying the scriptures and writing out responses to the questions.

Step One (honesty) has really stuck with me. It states: "Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable." At first I thought, "okay, I don't actually have an addiction, and my life isn't really unmanageable, so I'll just read this stuff as if it doesn't apply to me." But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was true. I truly am powerless to overcome the natural man on my own. Without Christ, my life really is unmanageable.

I have begun praying daily with this approach - being honest with the Lord and admitting that I am powerless on my own. It has really helped invite the spirit in my life, and helped me truly feel my reliance on the Savior. It has helped me let go of power struggles and open up my heart to the spirit when kids start throwing tantrums.

The program has also helped me feel empathy for those who do struggle with addiction. It has really helped me see them as good people who have struggles, just like everyone else. Addictions don't define people; Christ defines people. Christ makes us good.