My odd social life regularly exposes me to "inspirational parables" mostly involving the god idea. Some are moderately amuzing the first time or two, most just nausiatingly sappy and painful to listen to after the 20th time. For instance, (and I'm giving you one of the least sappy ones, so no complaining) A guy has fallen off a cliff edge but manages to grab hold of a root sticking out the face of the cliff. Holding on for dear life he yells out "If there is a God, please help me!!" There is a loud echoing reply: "This is God. I will help you my son. Let go of the root." Guy thinks for a minute then yells "Is there anybody else up there?" There's a million of these, none especially unique. Got the idea? OK good.
Today, I heard one that was seemingly thought up just for me, the twisted little rodent that I am. From now on when someone offers me one of those happy little zingers I'll ask them if they've heard the one about the guy in the ambulance.
A fella was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. He was in horrific pain. He cried out in desperation: "God, I will do anything you wish if you just relieve me of this pain!" He was startled to hear a deep calm voice reply "Relax, my son. You are already doing what I wish, because I just now gave you the pain."
Today, I heard one that was seemingly thought up just for me, the twisted little rodent that I am. From now on when someone offers me one of those happy little zingers I'll ask them if they've heard the one about the guy in the ambulance.
A fella was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. He was in horrific pain. He cried out in desperation: "God, I will do anything you wish if you just relieve me of this pain!" He was startled to hear a deep calm voice reply "Relax, my son. You are already doing what I wish, because I just now gave you the pain."

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"I haven't really read shit for the last few years."
i haven't really, either. a couple of books here and there. fewer things grab me these days.
re: brown, no i never went there. my bf did, but only after i (*swoon*) fell ill, and he thought he should get a "real job" to support both of us. i considered going part time cuz it's physically close to me and i was toying with the idea of getting certified to teach at community colleges. i took a few courses here and there on both coasts, never graduated . . . college is for pussies.
(oops - sorry, if you're some big academic or something . . . )
-If the method of recovery from addiction can be summed up in a few words it would be "surrender of self."
i bet most people could benefit from that method/philosophy, "addict" or not. course what do i know.
"It's silly how everyone I'm surrounded with sees the god concept only in the context of their own lives and desires."
i feel dense, but - if you care to expound -what do you mean?