I just said Mizmor Shir chanukas habayis l'Dovid in davening, which I love saying cuz He really did "switch (hofachto) my mourning into a dance for (lee) me." And I wanted to share that this has nothing to do with religion or sinning or Teshuvah for me - and that is very important. Even though He didn't remove my allergy to lust, He certainly has been saving me from my disease of compulsion (and some of the sick thinking), so far. And that's secular and will always remain secular, no matter how frum I ever become. The fact that my personal drug happens to include a sin is as irrelevant to me as I believe it is to Him. Of course, it's a sin for anyone - even an addict -to do those things, but I cannot believe that that's why He saved/saves me from them. And He saves plenty of Christians Muslims and atheists from all sorts of addictions, as well - just as we all know He saves plenty of people of all faiths from many diseases and terrible things each and every day.

Who else does?

So, thanks for letting me share this. The distinction is lost on so many and confuses so many good folks, stalling their recovery and miring them in their same old hashkafic quicksand.

Being able to sincerely say this Tehillim and to thank my G-d for His help in our many health/money/emotional issues without confusing them with issur/heter/piety, is as natural for the non-addict as it is for us. For day-in and day-out, G-d demonstrates His Will in our lives far more often in divrei r'shus (secular/worldly matters) than He does in divrei mitzvoh. Just do the math. Gratitude isn't for religious matters alone.

Dov

"Don't stop before the miracle!" This statement can apply to so many different circumstances in our lives. We tell this to many people who are struggling with the disease of addiction. And it is one of the most powerful lessons from the Chanukah story.

When confronted with adversity, the Hasmoneans did not give up. Where did they get the strength and resolve to insist on not giving up in their search for the pure jar of olive oil? How can we tap into that very same place -- so we can discover our purity within?

The Hasmoneans defied all limitations by winning the war and by rekindling the Menorah. Their commitment to persevere and their willingness to sacrifice their lives revealed their true essence. It is the highest part of the soul, and once revealed, this spirit enables us to cause a revolution within.

Once a person finds this spiritual core, all things are possible. We are exposing the inner recesses of our soul that is absolutely one with G-d. At this level, what seems to be an obstacle too great to deal with, is exposed as an illusion; a test that is there only to awaken this powerfully-connected part of our soul.

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.