Publisher’s Note – G R A C E

By Barbara Nicholson Brown

Grace is a beautiful word, and this definition seems applicable to addicts and alcoholics:

“Unmerited divine assistance given humans 
for their regeneration or sanctification.”

For 24 years addiction had me by the throat. Sure, I functioned, had a job, lived in a great city, had clothes to wear and a few dollars. I was also desperately lonely, angry, and tired. Much of my time was spent chasing the next high or trying to piece together blackouts. My entire being was engulfed in shame, fear, denial, and self pity. I was an empty shell. It was only when my family and friends had finally cut me out of their lives completely that I hit bottom.

Enter divine intervention. I remember the moment when everything changed — the moment of surrender. Was it Grace?

Obviously my Higher Power believed there was a reason for me to be here. And never have I gone back out to test the waters to see if I really am an alcoholic and addict. I am. I know it.

Anyone who has risen from the darkness of addiction has been granted the very same gift, Grace.