Like Little Children...Lesson Five

For many of us in recovery, memories of childhood are full of the terrors associated with being powerless. If we were raised in a family that was out of control, where we were neglected, abused, or exposed to domestic violence and dysfunctional behavior, the thought of being powerless might be very frightening. We may have silently vowed never again to be as vulnerable as we were when we were children.
  Jesus tells us that in order to enter the Kingdom of God we must become powerless. He said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it" (Mark 10:15).
  In any society, children are the most dependent members. They have no inherent power for self-protection - no means to ensure that their lives will be safe, comfortable, or fulfilling. Little children are singularly reliant on the love, care, and nurture of adults for their most basic needs. They must trust their lives to someone who is more powerful than they are. Although they may not know exactly what they need, they must cry out to obtain it, and, hopefully, they will be heard and lovingly cared for.
  We, too, must admit that we are truly powerless if our lives are ever to become healthy. This doesn't mean we have to become victims again. Admitting our powerlessness is an honest acknowledgement of our situation in life and a positive step toward recovery.

Bible Reading: Mark 10:13-16