Читать книгу Peace a Day at a Time - Karen Casey - Страница 83

Turning the other cheek doesn't mean giving up our right to respond.

Revenge is not an option once we get accustomed to the Twelve Step principles. It never did give us more than a short-term rush, and it usually left us with guilt—lots of it. Now we are learning to acknowledge the boundaries between us and other people. This helps us detach from their mean-spiritedness, which often has prompted our own vengeful behavior.

It's important to distinguish between letting others stomp on us and letting them have their behavior. The program doesn't say we should take abuse; it suggests instead that we rationally tailor our response, relying on God as our speechwriter. If we respond calmly and firmly, without attacking, we give all concerned an opportunity to calm down.

Far fewer will be the times we're haunted by guilt if we follow this action plan. Acting responsibly, with God's help, will feel right and honorable to ourselves and the “opposition.”

I need to stand up for myself always and, just as important, rely on God for support.

—from A Life of My Own