One Alcoholic's Issue with the Rick and Bubba Morning Show

There are readers living outside of the widely popular Rick and Bubba syndicated broadcast area, therefore, I will give you a very short introduction.  The Rick and Bubba show features Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey and is a conservative talk show.  The show is often comedic with recurring themes and characters.  One syndicated station, K105 describes the show as "a blend of humor, politics, religion, entertainment and current events"  I will also add that both Rick and Bubba have overcome many of life's challenges and it is a blessing to listen to  how they walked with faith through difficult times.

There are moments that I enjoy listening to the show.  However, there are times when these two radio personalities are like 100 nails running down a chalkboard with massive speakers.  In recovery for my alcoholism, the show's source of irritation has become much clearer.  At some point in their lives, someone helped turn on a "spiritual" light for them; a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves.  I know Rick has often talked about his parents faith and their influence on his spiritual life. 

Alcoholics and addicts suffer from a spiritual malady.  I lacked a spiritual connection to a higher power.  I lived my life playing the part of my own higher power and as a result, I experienced fear, low self-esteem, selfishness, shame, isolation, self-loathing and feelings of hopelessness.  I had never been shown how to turn my spiritual light on or most likely, I refused to let go of being my own higher power. Rick and Bubba's blend of religion and entertainment does not speak to the alcoholic/addict that is struggling for spiritual growth.  I don't think Rick and Bubba can relate to an individual that has no sense of something greater than themselves.  It is my perception that Rick and Bubba sit in a position of religious judgment.

Here is a very abbreviated story of my spirituality.  I can imagine Rick and Bubba reading my story and pointing out all the religious gaps and missteps.   But, this is a common journey of individuals suffering from spiritual maladies.

Growing up, my parents divorced and we sporadically attended church.  The church we attended was outside of my school district and I was frequently teased.  As an adult, I joined the Methodist church and became active in the church community.  Unfortunately, I frequently felt I did not belong and "just did not get it" like other church-goers.  Over the years, I experienced loss, trauma and all that life brings.  Alcohol became my higher power and I fell into a dark pit.  I hit my rock bottom and entered a detox program.  I was so lost- all I knew to do is make it through the next 5 minutes.   The strict schedule of detox and rehab became my higher power.  Eventually, I admitted that I, within myself, could not pull me out of active alcoholism.  With guidance from my rehab counselors, I began to meditate and converse with this power greater than myself.  I stripped away all religious biases and sought a direct 1:1 relationship.  I had to make a conscious effort every day to build a connection. Twenty-months later, I do consider God to be my higher power, but this evolved over time.  I acknowledge that spiritual light will be turned on for someone else, and their higher power may be different than my own.

Rick and Bubba would respond to this post by saying "There is only one higher power.... and that is God".  I look at it differently and believe there are those so broken and lost that the first step is simply recognizing a power outside of themselves is needed for recovery.   My Rick and Bubba frustration is due to their inability to meet the spiritually ill at where they are and acknowledge the imperfection of spiritual progress.  My daily sobriety is dependent on the maintenance of my spiritual condition.  I am also responsible for meeting the alcoholic/addict where they are and share my experience of hope to help turn the light on.

One last side note.... I do have a feeling the Real Greg Burgess could easily connect with someone suffering from a spiritual malady.

What is your spiritual experience?