As sponsors in Alcoholics Anonymous we must live the principles of the program if we are to have the integrity it takes to present the principles of AA to others. We have come to understand that our very lives as ex-problem drinkers are dependent upon the lives we are called to help. Our lives take on a purpose and meaning that we have not experienced before.
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
Bright Lights, Big City - always what I wanted. Without question, I consistently strove to shine, and worked to accomplish that and beyond. Then I picked up a gin and tonic and trouble immediately began. I now know that from the first drink alcohol made me sick. It then made me drunk, it then compelled me to chaos, and finally it brought me to my knees encircled in darkness. I was completely blind to the light. In the Big Book program of recovery, I learned that by integrating all Twelve Steps into my life in such a way that they would become my life the Light would find me - through The Power Within me. I believe that has happened. So yes, the brightest spot of The Light Within me reveals itself through frequent contact with newcomers and with other alcoholics. Most recovering alcoholics I know feel the same way. We can actually live the spiritual experience.
ReplyDeleteMichael in the service of others our dignity and esteem sky rocket but that is not why we do it. We simply help others as it is the will of God through us...thank you....Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteOnce we have surrendered our spirit to God, there is an instantaneous change in paradigm. Life is no longer all about us. We become immersed in the incredible value and unspeakable love God has for each and every one of His creations. 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 personally. 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 that brings about fellowship with God, 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 it was 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 and many others 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 in your life until you finally meet Him, face to face, the one true and living God through Jesus the Christ.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic Surrender was not something we adhered to in our nature but the surrender of that nature brings us to a way of life that brings balance peace and joy...Thank you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteThe first two paragraphs of chapter 7 are very powerful
I knew it would be, just by reading the last sentence on the chapter Into Action. "The next chapter is entirely devoted to Step 12."
In the 2nd set of Promises, they start out by saying, "And we have stopped fighting anything or anyone - even alcohol."
Funny how chapter 7 ends. Bottles were only a symbol. Besides, we have stopped fighting anybody or anything. We have to!
Without the help and guidance of a sponsor and a belief in God, none of this would have ever happened for me. There is much joy in working with another AA.
Thanks
Sid P
Sid when two or more are gathered in my name I Am there...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDelete