Twenty-Five Words: How The Serenity Prayer Can Save Your Life

by Barb Rogers

These Twenty-five words are the bedrock of the worldwide Alcoholics Anonymous movement, a movement that has saved and improved millions of lives. When Barb Rogers first heard this prayer a quarter of a century ago, she could scarcely credit it and hadn't the ears to believe it. It all begins with "meee, meee, meee," she writes. As in, Why is God doing all these things to meee? Why doesn't God understand that I know what's best for mee and do what I ask him to? Why are other people doing all these things to mee? Well as it turns out, it's not all about "mee." Rogers tells her story and invites readers to take a tough, loving look at their own. There are some things we should accept, period. We shouldn't take them personally. We shouldn't whine or scream or go off on a tear. Then there are some things we can change, and we should probably take a look at those as well. And the real trick, the one that comes from years of saying the prayer and letting its healing principles sink in, is knowing the difference. Barb Rogers' own story starts in the depths of alcoholism, with deceased children, broken marriages, lost jobs. Sure there were reasons, but reasons didn't change anything: the Serenity Prayer did.

Genres: Spirituality

141 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2005

Reviews

[Jennifer Jessop · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very uplifting look at the Serenity Prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibur. It helps to give those of us in recovery from one thing or another a good dose of a new perspective.

[Steven P.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-Five Words is an inspirational book that offers great advice on how to see things in a positive light. I read this book years ago and still remember it. Barb Rogers writes about her past and gives us insight on how to cope with tough experiences. It still has a profound impact on me.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned the serenity prayer years ago, but it seems I often forget its wisdom. This book helped bring the ideas back to mind so I can practice them in my daily life. I also like how the author is blatantly honest about her own struggles, and shares them so openly.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I opened the book and the punches started and didn't let up. It's a pretty intense read. I loved it and plan to make a book club read of it with some women friends.