The Still Small Voice

God, grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change

Courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference.

This little prayer is truly life-changing when you think of it.  Not only is it the foundational prayer for all the 12-step groups, it can be a prayer that can assist each one of us in our daily lives.  It is simple.  It is effective.  It is inspired.
Over the next few blogs, I will offer a reflection on how the use of this prayer can transform our every day world, how we can be empowered and stronger people because of its brilliant message.
Today, we begin with that first phrase:
"Lord, grant me the serenity"
Think about your life for a moment.  Would you say that you feel peaceful and calm?  Are you free of worry and fear?  Are things going along the way you'd hoped?
If you are like most of us, there are stresses and stressors at play right now.  It could be that you are worried about your job.  Perhaps you are feeling that your primary relationship is in need of work.  Money, health, family concerns....  there are very few of us who are living in a blissful state. :)
We long for that feeling of serenity - the absence of the push of fear in our stomach and the calm that comes when we are feeling peaceful and confident.  It often feels elusive as we toss about on the waves of circumstances and situations flowing our way.
We live in a very unsettled world filled with uncertainties.  As we hear the news and the plight of those who are experiencing war, struggle, violence, disease, discrimination and challenges, we can feel helpless and powerless. Peace in our world seems a long way off.
But there are ways that we can recover a sense of happiness and serenity even in the face of our greatest fears.  We can invite peace into our lives even when we feel attacked and powerless.
We all know people who somehow transcend the most challenging circumstances.  They share that the dread disease they experienced was a gift, or the loss they suffered gave them new perspective and insight they'd have otherwise missed.  They have serenity even looking at the lion's mouth.  They have peace even though danger seems ever-present.
How do they do it?  How can they maintain this perspective when all seems dire or uncertain?  How can they trust when all seems lost.

They know the value and the secrets contained within this little prayer as they untangle the flotsam and jetsom of their circumstance.  They have discovered peace and serenity.  And they know that with God, all things are truly possible.
And they are.  For you too!  Join me as we continue to unravel the lessons for us in this prayer.
+Deborah