Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
The Act of Surrender
Step Seven is where we take action on the readiness developed in Step Six. Having prepared ourselves to let go of our defects of character; we now humbly ask our Higher Power to remove them. This step is about humility, trust, and surrender.
Humility is central to this step. It means recognising that we cannot change ourselves through willpower alone. True transformation requires the help of a Power greater than ourselves. By asking for this help, we acknowledge our dependence on a loving force that can guide us toward growth.
This step also reminds us that change is a process, not an event. Asking our Higher Power to remove our shortcomings does not mean they will disappear instantly or completely. It’s about placing trust in the journey and being patient with ourselves as we grow. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
The word “shortcomings” highlights that we are asking for help with the deeper root causes of our behaviours, not just the behaviours themselves. For example, we might ask for relief from the fear that drives dishonesty or the insecurity that fuels anger. As we work this step, we begin to notice subtle shifts in our attitudes and actions.
For GBTQ+ individuals, this step offers an opportunity to let go of internalised shame, self-criticism, or feelings of unworthiness. It reminds us that we are deserving of love, healing, and acceptance, both from ourselves and from the world around us.
Step Seven is also about gratitude. By asking for help with humility, we open ourselves to the gifts of recovery—self-awareness, peace of mind, and the ability to live more authentically.
Questions for reflection in Step Seven include:
- What does humility mean to you in the context of recovery?
- What shortcomings are you asking your Higher Power to remove?
- How do you notice your Higher Power working in your life as you practise this step?
Through Step Seven, we surrender our struggles and invite a Higher Power to guide our growth. It’s an act of faith that allows us to live with greater freedom, peace, and authenticity