Today’s Reflection 16 September

Freedom And Liberty

We are going to know a new freedom […] (AA 83).

[…] a spiritual liberation from this world […] (AA 55).

Freedom and liberty are words I had always thought of as synonymous. Both refer to the right to do as one pleases, but there are some differences.

To me, freedom suggests the absence of restraint. That is how my addiction convinced me early on that I was free. I believe I was doing what I did because I choose it. No restraints, except those I put on myself. The lie explains the line I crossed; doing things I swore I would never do. One by one or in multiples, I crosses them believing I was free to do so. The more lines I crossed, the fewer reasons I would find not to cross them. I believe I could make decision for myself, without regard to things like values, beliefs, relationships, laws, ethics, or integrity. I was Master-of-the -Universe completely oblivious that this ‘freedom’ was sinking me in the bondage.

Then is liberty. “Liberty and justice or all”, we pledge. Sounds like we are really saying, “liberty—but,” Freedom with strings attached. I am at liberty to pursue happiness, but not free to deprive others of theirs. In my addiction, I twisted liberty into being free to do as I please. In the end, I must deal with the consequences of my decisions.

In recovery, I have the liberty to live in harmony with others, my Higher Power, and myself, but I must live responsibly. Freedom feels more appealing, liberty seems more realistic. Today-I have made my choice.

God, keep me from the false freedom I thought I had, and give the liberty that comes only with sobriety from lust.