Hi everyone I was looking at Amazing grace and when I read the line .The hour I first believed I thought of that time in my recovery that I first came to believe in a Higher Power or God as you understand Him And thought I would write something about it .I know that this can be personal, and that I may not get to many replies but would anyone else like to write something on The Hour I first Believed. Before or after coming into recovery. What I have written is the way it was for me.

The Hour
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was blind but now am found
was blind but now I see
It was grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed
You probably hear the melody in your mind. Now, I want you to
concentrate on the last line, The hour I first believed. Do you
remember the hour YOU first believed? What were your circumstances?
What emotions were swirling around inside of you hours before you said,
Yes to God? God as you understand Him
Though people
may disagree with what you believe, they cannot deny what actually
happened to you.

My story.

Hi everyone when I first arrived to the doors of AA I dont think I was Atheist .Very sick but not Atheist. I know that because I used to prayer to a God I didnt understand then on the steps of the courthouses I was about to appear in for one thing or another (All alcohol related).Please God get me out of this one .My last famous words I wont do this again.(not the drinking).

Then there were the times at some ungodly hour when I was on my hands and knees in some car park or wherever I might be after an alcohol Benda vomiting the last bit of bile from deep within my groins.O what a feeling saying the alcoholic prayer O God never again. (The insanity till the next time.)So I was probably more Agnostic then anything else at the time I got into the rooms of AA and I first seen the word God in the Serenity Prayer and it Didnt bother me like it did others the word God didnt make me think that AA was some religious cult because I was unable to think at that time.

I think I felt a little at ease from this disease at the time when I saw the word God. Also in the beginning some members suggested I try praying to a Higher Power for directions I said I havent had to much practice except for the times I mentioned above .They said Fake it till you make .I said Ive faked it all my life I know that doesnt work.

But I read somewhere Prayer with disbelief, but prayer with sincerity and the belief will come. And thats what I done. It didnt happen overnight for me it took a few months. Then one morning in the shower at home (I didnt want anyone to see me praying) on my knees I realized I need no longer carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. That there was One that was all powerful and that all I had to do was follow His directions. I believe at that moment I made a decision to hand my will and life over to the care of that Power.

I had an overwhelming feeling that a great weight had been lifted as I mentioned above. I had tears of joy in my eyes. The first time I remember ever crying from the soul. The tears felt like marbles coming out of my I eyes. (I suggest not compressing your tears for 40 years like me) I can say from that moment my recovery went ahead in leaps and bounds and Ive been able to go through all that Reality and Lifes thrown at me.

Sober A DAY AT A TIME. From the HOUR I FIRST BELIEVED.

This is my story we are all different
God Bless Lionel