Fourth month of the year and time for Step Four from "Side by Side - The Twelve Steps and A Course in Miracles"

“No one can escape from illusions unless he looks at them, for not looking is the way they are protected.”

A Course in Miracles, Text

          Looking closely at the depth of our own faults is not an easy task. We will sabotage almost every effort. This is why looking at our illusions, or faults and mistakes, is not the first step in the process. First we must recognize our inability to make life work. Then open to the Holy Spirit Who will be our Guide and Comforter as we begin this seemingly dark journey within. Now prepared with motivation and the correct Guide we can begin to look at the incorrect workings of our minds.

         Self-honesty becomes the key here. We work very hard at sugar coating our base motives. We call ourselves righteously indignant. We nobly correct the faults in others from a “humble” sense of superiority. We “lovingly” become martyrs and allow our children free reign. Self-honesty looks closely at these emotions and sees them for what they are — attempts to control the world through anger and guilt to suit our needs and desires at the expense of everyone else.

        Allow the Holy Spirit to walk with you and shine His Light of understanding on each shadow. As you look at each fault, experienced as sin, His Light shows you the truth instead. You are mistaken and fearful but the truth of God’s Love which binds you to Him and everyone remains unbroken. Each shadow begins to disappear.

      But, allow one dark corner to remain unlit and pain will continue to be yours.

(You can find "Side by Side - the Twelve Steps and A Course in Miracles" and its companion book "Hand in Hand - Recovery and Miracles" in the left column)