May
31
READINESS TO SERVE OTHERS
May 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
. . . our Society has concluded that it has but one high mission — to carry the A.A. message to those who don’t know there’s a way out. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 151
The “Light” to freedom shines bright on my fellow alcoholics as each one of us challenges the other to grow. [...]
May
30
OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE
May 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The more A.A. sticks to its primary purpose, the greater will be its helpful influence everywhere. A.A. COMES OF AGE, p.109
It is with gratitude that I reflect on the early days of our Fellowship and those wise and loving “foresteppers” who proclaimed that we should not be diverted from our primary purpose, that of carrying [...]
May
29
TRUE TOLERANCE
May 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 139
I first heard the short form of the Third Tradition in the Preamble. When I came to A.A. I could not accept myself, my alcoholism, or a Higher Power. If there had been any physical, mental, moral, [...]
May
28
EQUAL RIGHTS
May 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
At one time or another most A.A. groups go on rule making benders. . . . After a time fear and intolerance subside. [and we realize] We do not wish to deny anyone his chance to recover from alcoholism. We wish to be just as inclusive as we can, never exclusive. “A.A. TRADITION: HOW IT [...]
May
27
NO MAUDLIN GUILT
May 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Day by day, we try to move a little toward God’s perfection. So we need not be consumed by maudlin guilt… AS BILL SEES IT, p. 15
When I first discovered that there is not a single “don’t” in the Twelve Steps of A.A., I was disturbed because this discovery swung open a giant portal. Only [...]
May
26
TURNING NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE
May 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Our spiritual and emotional growth in A.A. does not depend so deeply upon success as it does upon our failures and setbacks. If you will bear this in mind, I think that your slip will have the effect of kicking you upstairs, instead of down. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 184
In keeping with the pain [...]
May
25
PROGRESSIVE GRATITUDE
May 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Gratitude should go forward, rather than backward. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 29
I am very grateful that my Higher Power has given me a second chance to live a worthwhile life. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been restored to sanity. The promises are being fulfilled in my life. I am grateful to be free from [...]