GERHARDS WAY,You can get rid of your crutches, but first you

“You can get rid of your crutches, but first you
must be

willing to change your thinking

.”

“Excessive dependency is a common ailment. It may be in the form of leaning on friends, teachers, doctors, or ministers. Or it may be a dependency on alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, or drugs. We have been misled with the belief that we come into life as empty creatures who must find fulfillment in the world.

“We need to know that … he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (I John 4:4), so we can overcome any situation or meet any experience without leaning on people or stimulants. We must work at it.
“… Take a careful inventory of your behavior. You may note that you are too easy on yourself, that you give in too quickly. … Reach for Higher Power before you reach for the aspirin bottle. Pass [on] a meal when you realize that you are being ruled by the dinner bell. Take time to realize your inner support ….

“… You can’t rise to new strength while dwelling on your weaknesses. Begin seeing yourself in the light of possible change. Don’t fall back on the cliché, ‘That’s just the way I am.’ … Strength is the reality of you.”