We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. “Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?” As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 47
I was always fascinated with the study of scientific principles. I was emotionally and physically distant from people while I pursued Absolute Knowledge. God and spirituality were meaningless academic exercises. I was a modern man of science, knowledge was my Higher Power. Given the right set of equations, life was merely another problem to solve. Yet my inner self was dying from my outer man’s solution to life’s problems and the solution was alcohol. In spite of my intelligence, alcohol became my Higher Power. It was through the unconditional love which emanated from A.A. people and meetings that I was able to discard alcohol as my Higher Power. The great void was filled. I was no longer lonely and apart from life. I had found a true power greater than myself, I had found God’s love. There is only one equation which really matters to me now: God is in A.A.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I get a kick out how if someone was a atheist or agnostic,it’s because they were a ‘Man of Science’. I love A.A.
I can totally relate to this. I never believed in god because of the ideas other people had always shared with me were so unrealistic. I started trying to believe because I knew my life depended on it, and before long I discovered something amazing. I am greatful AA does not try to force closed minded ideas on anyone because I would not be alive today.
I did not have God in my life at all nor did I have any glimpse of faith. I am new in my sobriety and it amazes me how the program has already changed my life in so many ways. I know that God is with me and now praying and thanking God had become as normal as putting on my shoes. I am so thankful for AA and the way of life it’s showing me.
It’s funny and irritating at the same time:
If you speak up at a meeting with more than a 6th grade sophistication your accused of being too intelectual…
So I must remain a hillbilly in order to get along at AA?
Yeah, That whole “I don’t know nutin.I don’t know how it work. Iknow less the longer I stay sober.”bit does’nt ring true. It’s one thing to”blow ourselves up like prideful baloons.” but false humlity does’nt help anyone. I’ve seen newcomers parrot that crap. But we want to fit in. Can’t be puttin on airs. If I’m look for a sponser,I sure as hell want someone who knows how it works. I love A.A.