In the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous in the chapter "Working With Others" it states, "Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics... You can help when no one else can... Remember they are very ill. Life will take on a new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends - this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives."
There is nothing that we can do with ourselves that is more important then helping someone else recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Nothing. In order for this recovery to occur for them in its purest form, those we are helping must develop a personal relationship with God. It is through such a relationship with Him that they will recover. It is through this relationship that they will know serenity, peace and joy, maybe even for the first time in their lives.
Obviously none of this can possibly occur for others if it has not occurred for us - as we cannot give away that which we don't have. Live this life through Him and in helping others do the same, you will be living within the bright spot of your life.
Written by Armand
Written by Armand
I always sought the kind of bright spots that took no work. Bars, taverns, clubs, girls, music, bright lights, big city. Somehow, handcuffs, a broken-hearted Mother, confused and scared children, bill collectors and angry employers became the dark and sad reality of my life. That's the way it is with alcohol for the alcoholic. Strictly due to The Program of Recovery, explained in precise detail in The Big Book, today I fully understand and am present in the brightest bright spots. And, yes, that has come by incorporating The Steps into my life until they produced a new life within me through the presence of The Power Within me, the Source of limitless light. To be fully in that bright spot is to give myself away. As a result, each day shines. From darkness to light.
ReplyDeleteMichael an apt description of the problem and the solution...Thank you....Armand
DeleteThis Comment Is From A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
ReplyDeleteArmand,
Once the Gift of Life is received, there is an almost instantaneous change in paradigm. We become immersed in the incredible value and unspeakable love God has for each and every one of us. One of the greatest blessings received and fondest memories recalled is to have been present when you first came to believe that God Himself is the ultimate author of the 12 steps of AA and then bear witness as you received Him and His Gift to confidently confirm to others that the yearnings of every heart consumed by desperation, fear and trepidation can only be satisfied by a true spiritual conversion and fellowship with the Lover of our souls. As you surrendered yourself to The Master and hands were laid upon you His gift of the Holy Spirit to fully apprehend God's revelation, that He personally and continuously reaches out to each and every one of His errant children with fiery passion and boundless love, no matter how far we have strayed from His Light, opened the door to the ultimate and ongoing gift and revelation that He desires that all be joint "sponsor's" of that plan.
Whenever I pass by the small stone chapel where your conversion and ministry began I fondly recall that day we furtively entered. I knew the doors are rarely if ever open and its seldom if ever used, but that one day we found it was unlocked, warm and full of life. That above all confirmed for me in space and time that we were there by Divine appointment. My witness as a partaker of that sublime meeting and the continuing miraculous reality of its effects are as clear today as it was many years ago. Over time I watched as you took up His call with complete abandon. He has used your unique personality, talents, culture and experiences as an inspiration to a great many others desperately seeking the only true release from the seemingly inescapable internal prison of alcohol and self obsession.
This world is a far better place because you said yes to His invitation and have been faithful and true to His call. May He continue to richly bless His children through the ministry He has provided them through you and all whom He has called. May you continue to recall and boldly share His glorious intervention until you finally meet Him, face to face, the one true and living God through Jesus Christ.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic a great day, a great moment, a great life...Thanks...Armand
DeleteWherever we are in the world whether it be in a small AA meeting room tucked away or at a glittering AA convention, here we hear the language of the heart, God speaking through people. Suddenly all my problems evaporate on the spot when I am among my fellow AA people, the camaraderie in knowing we are all there for the same reason is priceless. It truly is the bright spot of my existence. In helping others I often get so much more than I can give. Away from the seedy bar rooms which had such a pull for me, I recoil from alcohol as if from a hot flame today. AA and all that it brings truly is the bright spot of my life.
DeleteAnne your gratitude for the gift of sobriety is the fuel that enables you to help another find their gift of sobriety...Thank you....Armand
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