Weight-loss surgery (actually 2 surgeries) was not a magic bullet for Anonymous who writes after having joined OA in the last few years. Not only did she gain weight in the process, but when she lost weight, she “struggled with the comments abut the weight I was losing and the flirty attention I was receiving.” With OA, she has found emotional recovery and a sensible plan of eating.
After struggling with weight and atheism, Frank H. found a Higher Power within himself, transforming his approach to recovery through Overeaters Anonymous.
“Dear Mara:” the letter reads, “We are so glad you have chosen Higher Power Company as your new source of love, support, and guidance!” Written for the OA member who is taking Steps Two and Three, this might be the best corporate form letter you’ll ever receive!
“For those who feel they don’t quite belong in OA, I’m here to say you don’t have to believe in a particular God or way—your desire to stop eating compulsively is enough.”
Sam grew up in a time of war, when food scarcity was a real issue. When the war ended, Sam’s scarcity mentality and trauma did not . . . until he heard about OA. “It changed my life forever,” he says.
Some atheist and agnostic OA members practice meditation in Step Eleven. For one agnostic, meditation has inspired a poem and a recognition of their personal Higher Power.
“An Atheist’s Prayer calls for strength in letting go of self-will, surrendering to the guidance of the program, and cultivating gratitude, growth, and serenity.”
Mercy F. once believed in a Higher Power but is now agnostic. She has found success in OA even when working with those who believe in God or Higher Power as an entity. “We don’t argue about it,” she says. “We bond over working the Steps, using the Tools, and following Good Orderly Direction.”
Teresa, an atheist OA member, describes how OA members with a theistic higher power can better help the atheist/agnostic/secular newcomer who is struggling with both compulsive eating and the God-based language of our program.
OA invites DIVERSITY and promotes UNITY. In this episode, one OA member speaks about recovery from a man’s perspective and another describes finding a “non-traditional” Higher Power