"Like a child who receives a gift, but plays with only the box, we possessed sobriety the entire time and did not know it." v17, Buddy C.
For many in Recovery, connecting our concept of God or the Higher Power with true freedom from alcohol is a mystery. The author, Buddy C., experienced this disconnect. After years of relapse, despair, and searching, he discovered something unexpected: the Tao Te Ching. This ancient Taoist text, written over 2,500 years ago by Lao Tzu, became a spiritual lifeline.
Buddy discovered that the real issue was his inability to surrender, not his beliefs—or lack thereof. He also realized that the Tao is how God, or Love, operates in the world, including in his own life. As long as his spiritual foundation is rooted in Love, there is no need to alter his beliefs. The Tao Te Ching complemented his Christianity and 12-Step Recovery rather than conflicting with either. There was no need to adopt a new religion or abandon lifelong beliefs. This book is the result of his journey.
Powerless But NOT Helpless is Buddy's interpretation of the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching, which is written specifically for those in Recovery. Each verse provides a reflection grounded in AA wisdom, focusing on surrender and developing a spiritual foundation of Compassion in daily life.
🏆 Winner of multiple awards for Spirituality, Addiction, & Recovery

• 1st Place – Spirituality – Indie Book Awards (2023)
• Gold – Addiction & Recovery – Non-Fiction Authors Association (2022)
• Winner – Addiction & Recovery – Firebird Book Awards (2022)
Whether you're new to sobriety or seeking a fresh perspective after years in Recovery, this book can help bridge the spiritual gaps that many sense along the way.
📖 The solution you're looking for may be just a page turn away.