Don't Fight Naked

This post has nothing to do with erotica. I don't know what is up with the old HP lately. Every morning I inquire what He wants to discuss on the blog before I begin writing the day's post. Last week He suggested 'crabs' and I had to alert the perverts among you that we were not discussing an STD. Then, when I conferred with the old HP this morning, I thought of a sign I had seen outside of a church stating:

"Don't Fight Naked!! Put on the full armor of God."

I've heard that sex sells, but had no idea churches had adopted this marketing idea to draw sinners to salvation. I'm not being critical or judgemental here; I'm simply making an observation. Being an alcoholic, I understand the concept of saying and doing anything to get what you want; "What is the goal? How can I achieve the goal?" Yeah, I know, you never did anything like that.

When I was encouraged to stop boozing and using (by the local police department), I came into the recovery program ETA. There were 12 steps posted on the wall and, even though they said Higher Power, I knew Who they were talking about. Nobody was pulling the wool over my eyes!

My heart sank. Even with the additional words, as you understand Him, trying to soften the blow I knew I was sunk. I understood God to be a malevolent Being that couldn't wait to send me to hell. At the time I didn't realize that I had done the job for Him. I thought He was out to get me.

When I started working the steps of ETA with a sponsor she had me throw out all of my earlier conceptions of God and form a relationship with a new and improved Higher Power. After lots of work from my sponsor, a Higher Power and me, I came to know the old HP (short for Higher Power). Today, when I found out what I was going to post about, I resisted because I didn't want to offend any newcomer that might read this. Then I came to my senses and remembered that I do the footwork and the old HP takes care of the outcome. Plus, I usually don't care if I offend somebody, so why start now?

Back to the sign. Here is how I put on the full armor of the old HP to carry Him into battle with me. On pages 12-13 of the book, "Alcoholics Anonymous", it says the writer gets distracted by worldly clamors, mostly those within himself. This is also true for me. The will to act with old behaviors battles my desire to be a different person today. The old HP is the barrier between my reacting or taking action, which are two entirely different things. He gives me the spit second pause that I need to consider the consequences of my initial response. I need to make fewer amends this way (I hate making amends).

Like most alcoholics, I'm overly sensitive and can get hurt by other people very easily. Having HP armor in place makes a mortal blow to my heart and/or my feelings less likely to occur. There are loved ones with whom I have more of a state of armed neutrality than a relationship. Open warfare can break out at any time while in close proximity of them. I have worn full battle dress around them for years. HP armor reduces the number of skirmishes and clashes that normally erupt between us. I think it's because I'm not dissecting every statement made looking for insults in disguise. I find it impossible to wear a Nancy Drew outfit and HP armor at the same time.

I'm covered when I keep the old HP close throughout the day. Not fighting naked has another benefit: I'm less likely to show my ass.

Have a good and sober day.