Step 7: Short - But not Sweet

By: H. V. | Kodiak, Alaska

July 1984

THE SEVENTH is the shortest Step. It should be so simple to practice it and be granted true relief, leading to serenity. However, I have found this Step to be extremely painful and frightening.

If I want a shortcoming removed, what price am I willing to pay to effect its removal? Need I merely consult my Higher Power and have instantaneous, positive action? Not in my case. I have to encounter pain and suffering to achieve the growth that ultimately leads to removal of the defect. Often, I do not learn the first time, and must repeat this painful process one or more times before growth takes place.

Some examples to clarify my point follow:

The defect: being unable to accept help from others. The growth opportunity: breaking my foot and having it stitched up, so I was forced to accept help.

The defect: not feeling love. The growth: losing a loved one.

The defect: impatience. The growth: going through periods of craziness and anxiety.

The defect: being unable to accept defeat. The growth: being told I could not now or ever obtain the particular job I was applying for, because I had used hard drugs.

The defect: dishonesty. The growth: being honest at the cost of my job.

The list grows as the period of my sobriety lengthens. I came to a point where even the thought of practicing the Seventh Step would send shivers of fear down my spine. What was the answer to my dilemma? I wanted an easy way out, so I turned to the Big Book and started quoting in prayer an appropriate passage: “Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of thy power, thy love, and thy way of life.” Again, these words were simple to say. But then, I started thinking: What would I have to go through to have my difficulties removed?

The answers to my fears are contained in the Twelve Steps and the AA program. I have been taught that God never gives me more than I can handle at any one time. That has proved to be true no matter what the situation has been in my life of sobriety. I have been taught, “Thy will be done, not mine.” Practicing the Third Step has brought sanity and order into my previously chaotic and unmanageable existence.

I am told that in all likelihood, the more pain I go through, the more I will grow. If that is God’s will (and I know I am in much better shape if he is in control), then I have faith I can handle that pain for ultimate good and removal of my character defects. My strength to handle pain will come through continued application of Step Eleven, together with the Serenity Prayer.

The Steps, the fellowship of AA members, and the strength I gain through listening at meetings help me to be happy and keep smiling, one day at a time. I thank my Higher Power for the difficult and painful Seventh Step.

Step 7: Short – But not Sweet