AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)
October 23, 2013
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Step Twelve
"Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps,
we tried to carry this message to alcoholics,
and to practice these principles in all our affairs."
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 106
Thought to Ponder . . .
A spiritual awakening is our greatest gift.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
K I S S = Keeping It Simple, Spiritually.
A Member Shares:
I am an alcoholic and my name is Erik. I love Step meetings -- the meat and potatoes of sobriety. There's always so much more to learn. I like what another member said about being new and not feeling qualified to share. I can identify. My sponsor used to tell me that even if I didn't open my mouth but just occupied a chair at a meeting, I was showing others that a person could stay sober even if they weren't meant to be circuit speakers. Today, I have a much better outlook on the whole idea. I think it is so important that we all be exactly the way we are. As long as I share my experience, strength and hope honestly and truthfully, then it's valid. And I think that applies to everyone. The first part of Step Twelve talks about a spiritual experience as a result of these Steps. That really scared me. I didn't get the flash of light that I had heard about so I thought I was doing it wrong. The experience came over me ever so slowly, but I understand today that that is OK. And it says so on page 569 of my Big Book (that helps). The other part that stands out for me is the "carry this message" part. I had heard so many times how our main purpose was to carry the message and wondered, exactly what message do they mean? It says right in Step Twelve -- "this message." "Having had a spiritual experience as a result of these Steps" -- so simple, and right in front of me all the time. Anyway, I'm not a very outspoken person either but I truly believe that we need every personality we have in the program to show that it works for everyone. Thanks for letting me share.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)
Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org
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