Step Two – Principle 5 of 5: Opening to Spiritual Possibility

The Ember That Stayed – Opening to Spiritual Possibility

“Step Two is not about religious conversion. It’s about spiritual openness. It’s the moment you say, ‘Maybe I don’t have to do this alone.’ That ‘maybe’ is enough to begin.”

The Invitation, Not the Instruction

Step Two doesn’t demand belief. It doesn’t require a creed or a conversion. It simply whispers: what if?

What if there’s something greater than your own thinking? What if you don’t have to carry the weight alone? What if healing is possible—not because you deserve it, but because grace is real?

This is the step of possibility. Not certainty. Not theology. Just the willingness to believe that something—anything—greater than your own intellect might help you find your way back to peace.

If You Can’t Light the Fire, Keep a Small Ember Burning

For me, this principle was a thunderclap. I came to a sudden and shameful realization that I was a workaholic, an alcoholic, a control freak who was completely void of spirituality.

I once had a lot more spirituality. I remember waiting for my Grand Pop and Nan to pull up outside my house when I was 11 years old to go to Church with them. They delighted in taking me to Church, because their son, Tim—my Dad—did not wear his spirituality openly. So off to Catholic Mass we would go, then swing by in his nice car with electric windows (a big deal back then) and go to the bakers for a loaf of fresh bread to have with Sunday lunch.

A modern-day version of the Catholics from Pillars of the Earth, where the Cathedral would ring the church bells and get the farmers and laborers to climb the hill to attend Mass and in return be given a piece of bread and beer so the water was drinkable.

My spirituality then was real, but it was based in the punishment notion of God. Back then, boys in particular were fascinated by the images of Jesus carrying the cross up the hill in Calvary and being nailed to a crucifix by Roman soldiers under orders from Pontius Pilate. The girls were much more into the birth of baby Jesus in the manger. Two stories speaking to the paternal and maternal instincts of boys and girls.

So my spirituality was transactional, even then. 

To GOD: 

“If I go to Church will you look after me?”

God is not my banker – it’s not about depositing goodwill and receiving goodwill plus interest.

The thunderclap for me was: “I am spiritually a blackened, soddy firepit with one tiny ember still burning.” My strategizing brain said, “You have absolutely nothing to lose, you are an alcoholic spiraling into the descent to darkness—light the fire Jason.”

Albeit still a bit transaction-based on the “nothing to lose” notion, I was gifted the motivation by God. I gathered dry kindling by going back to Church, joining a Bible study class, reading books, listening to podcasts—and I lit the spiritual fire.

The Single Ember that Ignites the Fire

I pray for you that you will be gifted the motivation to light the fire, but if you are not ready yet, it’s OK because we are only at Step Two—there are ten to go. There is time. Form your logic and rationale to ignite the fire. But just do one thing for you and the people who love you—keep that one single small ember burning.

You don’t need to believe in God the way I do or someone else does. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be open.

That openness is the seed of transformation.

It’s the “maybe” that moves mountains.

It’s the “I don’t know, but I’m willing.”

It’s the spiritual posture of humility, curiosity, and hope.

Practical Ways to Open the Door

• Pray anyway: Even if you don’t know who you’re praying to. Just speak. Just ask.
• Listen deeply: To AA shares, to spiritual mentors, to the quiet voice inside.
• Read widely: Sacred texts, spiritual memoirs, poetry. Let language be a ladder.
• Try silence: Sit still. Breathe. Let the noise settle. See what rises.
• Ask for signs, signals, serendipitous events and coincidences: Not as proof, but as permission to believe. I have not heard one person share in AA that has not spoken of the “coincidences,” the moments of perfect timing from another that stopped them picking up—the “God Jobs.”

Final Reflection

Opening to spiritual possibility is not a one-time act. It’s a daily decision to stay open. To stay soft. To stay willing.

It’s the moment you stop demanding answers and start living the questions.

And in that space—in that sacred maybe—God moves.

 

PART IV

A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.

I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.