AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

March 2, 2025
~ Scroll Down for Share ~
 

What They Offer
If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite
morning devotion, we attend to that also. If not members of religious
bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which
emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many
helpful books also. Suggestions about these may be obtained from
one's priest, minister, or rabbi. Be quick to see where religious people
are right. Make use of what they offer.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Into Action) p. 87
 

Thought to Ponder
Prayer asks the question. Meditation listens for the answer.
 

AA-related 'Alconym'
W I L L I N G  =  When I Live Life, I Need God.
 

A Member Shares:
Good Morning everyone. My name is Isabella and I am an alcoholic. This passage from the Big Book has helped me understand how to place spiritual growth first. Earlier in sobriety I would occasionally read comments from people stating "I am not religious, I am spiritual", or sometimes an obvious dig at a particular organized religion. This would disturb me, since I belong and am committed to my faith, God brought me there, I am spiritual and belong to a religious denomination so I asked myself why am I disturbed? The answer came in time, in understanding the wisdom of the 3rd Step. Freedom to choose. God, as I understand Him. I found God in my faith several decades ago, in reality though He found me. I was lost and He brought me to where He wanted me to be. Many don't belong to an organized religion, and we are all free to choose. This reading taught me AA's attitude "If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to that also." Peace returned with understanding and gratitude that my spiritual path is in God's hands, and I try to go where He leads me. And that is true for each of us in AA, we are free to choose. The wisdom of the founders' decision to keep AA separate from any particular religion (there are many) was divinely inspired. God is God and we can find Him anywhere and in any way. And belonging to a faith is equally encouraged. We each have to find our own path. I know I am blessed, our priest is a wonderful man, he walks the walk, he is also my friend and spiritual advisor. He listened to me without judgement about my drinking and celebrated my recovery. For me AA and faith is a both and not an either/or and they work together in harmony. My continued spiritual growth is necessary in order to stay sober and to be of use to God and others. Thank you.
 

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)