The 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous is, "Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." This step clearly places a responsibility upon us - but we cannot give away that which we don't have. The "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous states, "We have recovered and been given the power to help others." The power to help others is a direct result of the spiritual awakening received in Step Twelve. Until one such spiritual awakening has occurred it is impossible for it to occur in other alcoholics that we may be helping. Furthermore, once the Spirit has been awakened within us we cannot be in the will of God without helping others.
We are gifted the power to carry the message to other alcoholics not only through our words but by incorporating the principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous program (the Twelve Steps) right into our lives, displaying them through our behavior. Once the spirit has been awakened in those we help then they themselves can lead a recovered life. These recovered alcoholics will then have the power to help others in the way necessary, so that still others may recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Your gift can be a gift to others.
Written by Armand
The beginning of my spiritual awakening was awakening to my spiritual frustration. More than anything, I wanted to "give it away" but, of course, I couldn't as I didn't possess it on a human level. My pathway was blocked by my human nature standing firmly in the way of my divine spiritual nature. The longer I spent just "not drinking and going to meetings," the greater my spiritual frustration became. Then something of great moment occurred; I began to in actuality incorporate The Twelve Steps into my life through the reading and action-taking of The Big Book as guided by a knowing sponsor. As I knew more, I felt more. As I felt more, I became awakened to The Power Within me who makes all things possible, including the formerly impossible - loving myself through loving you. Today, I'm able to possess "of myself" therefore, I'm able to give of myself and live in love. Simple but not easy. But it is all there is.
ReplyDeleteMichael love the line "loving myself through loving you." Through loving others we complete ourselves as one can't possibly live in the will of God without helping others...Thank you...Armand
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