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.
Before OA, Courtney neglected and abused her body. “I have taken better care of my car than of you,” she writes in a message to her own body. Now after a few years of abstinence, she is ready to make an Eighth Step, add her own body to the list of persons she has harmed and become willing to make amends.
After one year of abstinence, Elena is challenged by thoughts, emotions, and feelings that can no longer be numbed with food, and this is her opportunity to practice surrendering so many things to a higher power. “But I never found these more difficult than going the experience of letting go of busyness and being faced with boredom,” she says.
“The Fifth Step: what a daunting Step it was for me as a newcomer,” says Anonymous. “But I can remember the feeling when I was done . . . I was relieved.”
OA member Tony illustrates why Tradition Five matters in this short share. “It helps us stay on track so when others enter the group as a whole, the message of program is not waived or lost in confusion,” he says.
Melissa, an OA member, understands “Even experts in the medical fields are not capable of knowing about everything.” Read how she was able to carry the message to professionals on three different occasions.
Jo shares about spending a few summer days staffing an OA booth at a local health fair. “It gave several intergroups the chance to reach out and help change the lives of strangers,” he says.
When a local radio commentator voiced one of the usual criticisms about overweight people, OA member Lori felt compelled to carry the message, which was read aloud on the radio the next day.
Lisa shares a few simple ways she carries the message to the still-suffering compulsive eater and healthcare professionals.