DOCSLIB.ORG

Drink in June, 1935, AA Became the Centerpiece of Dr

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Drink in June, 1935, AA Became the Centerpiece of Dr Doctor Bob Part 2 (1935-1950) From his last drink in June, 1935, AA became the centerpiece of Dr. Bob’s life… (He) worked with Sister Ignatia… to treat thousands of alcoholics, who were then channeled into AA. He provided all of these services without charge. (Slaying The Dragon, William L. White, p. 186) Before getting sober, Bob had been active with the Oxford Group. “They told me that I should go to meetings and I did, every week. They said I should affiliate myself with some church, and we did that. And they also said that I should cultivate the habit of prayer, and I did that - at least to quite a considerable extent for me. But I got tight every night. And I mean that. It wasn’t every once in a while.” (Detroit Talk, 1948) Bill Wilson’s instruction to attempt to be helpful to others is what turned the trick. Two Women Smackers ”During the summer of 1935, both co-founders worked tirelessly to maintain their own sobriety while trying to help others.” (Dr. Bob and Bill W. Speak, Michael Fitzpatrick, pp. 62-63) Even before the trip to the AMA convention “…they found a young guy by the name of Eddie R. He had just been thrown out in the street… with his cute little blond wife and two kids. So they decided to move the whole shebang into our home. They locked Eddie upstairs in the bedroom”. (Bob Smith Jr. Talk, Kerrville, Texas, 1986) Eddie got out a few times, by sliding down the downspouts, once making it all the way to Cleveland, where he was going to commit suicide. “When he sobered up he had a few things that hadn’t shown up immediately. And he began beating up on his little blonde wife; and he began chasing my mother around the house with a butcher knife.” (Bob Jr., Texas) Eventually, Eddie was recommitted to a mental Institution. The first success was with Bill Dotson. “He was a lawyer, who had been in the hospital six times in the preceding four months. He went completely out of his mind when drinking, and he had just roughed up a couple of nurses… ‘He’s a grand chap when he’s sober.’” (Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, p. 82) Bill D.’s sobriety date was June 26, 1935. By the time Bill returned to New York, they also had added Ernie G. (The Seven Month Slip), and had some other strong prospects. The Prince of Twelfth-Steppers “Lois described Dr. Bob as being full of humanity. ‘He definitely wanted to help people in trouble. And he was so excited and enthusiastic about this new thing he and Bill had… Bill realized, too, that he got things from Bob that he needed to complement his work. He always consulted with Bob… (who) usually went along with Bill.'” (Oldtimers, p. 91) “Beginning in 1935, Dr. Bob quickly became an extraordinarily effective worker with active alcoholics. He was tough. He was inflexible. He told his prospects: ‘Do you want to surrender to God? Take it or leave it.’…The doctor was authoritative, and he was impressive.” (Getting Better, Nan Robertson, p. 61) There had been a lesson learned from the failure with Eddie R. “The men he sobered up… asked themselves about any new alcoholic prospect: ‘Does he want to stop badly enough? Is he mentally sound apart from his alcoholism?’” (Robertson, p. 62) Women were not welcome. The young were not welcome. What existed at the time was very much a “Christian fellowship”. Quiet time, prayer and bible reading were integral parts of the healing process. “Dr. Bob continued his efforts with alcoholics in Akron in close connection with the Oxford Group.” (Not-God, Ernest Kurtz, p. 53) Jim Burwell would not have survived the Akron vetting. AA Number 12 Interviews with Bob E., who got sober in February 1937, provide much of the information about what was happening in Akron during the early years. He was hospitalized, but “clear-headed enough to begin to wonder about this ‘new therapy,’ for over the next five days it seemed to consist simply of being visited by groups of two or three men. ‘None of them said anything about what I had to do - they just introduced themselves and started to tell me their experiences’”. (Not-God, p. 54) On the fifth day, his friend Paul returned to indoctrinate him in the “spiritual side”. “‘The surrender was more than important; it was a must…’ they told you to get down on your knees and say a prayer to God… They demanded it. You couldn’t go to a meeting until you did it.’” (Oldtimers, p. 101) It is downplayed in the literature, but it’s quite clear that in the circumstances of the time, these were “surrenders to Christ”. “‘I often wonder how many people that come in now would survive an experience like that - a regular old-fashioned prayer meeting,’ said Dorothy, who was then married to an AA member, Clarence S..” (Oldtimers, p. 101) Hospitalization was another “must” in the early days, to the point that when Warren C. came to AA in Cleveland, in July 1939, there was much debate about admitting him to the Fellowship, as he had not been hospitalized. Change of Venue “In the spring of 1939, administrators at the Akron City and Green Cross Hospitals, noting that Dr. Smith’s mysterious patients owed over five thousand dollars, began scrutinizing his admissions more carefully.” (Not-God, Ernest Kurtz, p. 79) He asked Sister Ignatia, the admissions officer of St. Thomas if he could smuggle in some alcoholic patients. Dr. Bob knew that the good sister was sympathetic to the cause. “’We often discussed the problem of alcoholism and the tragedies caused by excessive drinking,’ according to Sister Ignatia.” (Oldtimers, p. 185) There is absolutely no denying the convincing evidence that throughout his fifteen years of sobriety, Dr. Bob labored in the service of his fellow alcoholic at a level that, to this day, remains virtually unparalleled. Throughout the larger AA world, the more flamboyant Bill Wilson was the public face of the society, but in Ohio, the iconic figure was the curt, but devoted, medical man. The tarnishing of Bill W.’s star in the past few decades has led to an elevation of his co- founder’s legacy. As happens with other mythic figures, elements of the saga have been aggrandized, and even altered. Free Medical Care A total of “4,800 alcoholics were admitted into St. Thomas under his care.” (Oldtimers, p. 188) Before the first of the St. Thomas admissions, starting in August 1939, there had been many others treated in the previous four years at the two hospitals where Dr. Bob had his principal affiliations. What an enormous humanity this reflects! One would think that no aggrandizement is required. But!! One often hears that Dr. Bob “sponsored” 5,000 people. That’s a lot of sponsoring!! Better than one a day, granting Sundays off. Free medical care to 5,000 is admirable and astonishing. Enough in itself, one would think. The Myth of Unification Every political party’s leadership convention ends the same way. There is a final vote in which 100% of the delegates vote for the candidate who hours earlier was one of seven contenders, and perhaps the first choice of a mere 25%. The last vote, of course, is ceremonial, an act of “manufactured” unity. The disappointed 75%, supporters of the losing candidates, participate in the unanimous ratification, but do they adopt every policy of the winner, policies against which they were struggling an hour earlier? The great AA myth is that ALL of the original folks were delighted with the book, and that the book then ascended to a position of “authority,” for one and all. The truth is that compromises like “God, as we understood Him”, were disappointing to both the “radicals” and the “conservatives.” For those whose lives were so positively transformed with a decision for Christ, it’s hard to picture them telling prospects to “pick a God, any God”. There is nothing in the history of Dr. Bob Smith, until possibly late in life, that indicates he had much regard for “as we understood Him”. For Bob, God was God. His side, those lobbying for a fully Christian book featuring a fully Christian God, had lost in the voting. But, did they change immediately the way they operated by adopting all of the book’s “middle ground” path? No, they did not. Not even close. Akron-Style AA There is a lot of whining today about the watering down of AA, and the past is glorified. Akron-style AA of the 1940s is the Holy Grail. (Cue Bruce Springsteen - “Glory Days”.) Many of those idealizing the AA of that era and locale, would be surprised at the pervasive Christianity. Although they had lost the battle for a fully and openly Christian book, it is clear that the Akronites changed very little about their procedures, even after the split from the Oxford Group in the autumn of 1939. Group autonomy existed even the early days when AA was present in only three cities. In the summer of 1939, Clarence S. reported on Cleveland AA, in a letter to Bill W. “Not too much emphasis on spiritual business at meetings. Have discussions after meetings of any business or questions arising. Plenty of fellowship all the time.” (Oldtimers, p. 167) Of the three locations, Cleveland seems to have made the most use of the Big Book.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Do You Think You're Different? Many Paths to Spirituality A.A
    A Declaration of Unity This we owe to A.A.’s future: To place our common welfare first; To keep our fellowship united. For on A.A. unity depend our lives, And the lives of those to come. I am responsible... When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible. P-13 P-13_DoYouThinkY'rDifferent_P-13_DoYouThinkY'rDifferent.qxd 8/4/14 3:49 PM Page ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. • The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. • A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomina - tion, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. • Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Copyright © by A.A. Grapevine, Inc.; reprinted with permission Stories on pages 11, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 29 are copyrighted © by The A.A. Grapevine, Inc., and are reprinted here with permission. Copyright © 1976 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Mail address: Box 459 Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163 www.aa.org 100M- 8/14 (DG3) Printed in U.S.A. P-13_DoYouThinkY'rDifferent_P-13_DoYouThinkY'rDifferent.qxd 8/4/14 3:49 PM Page Do You Think You’re Different? 3 P-13_DoYouThinkY'rDifferent_P-13_DoYouThinkY'rDifferent.qxd
    [Show full text]
  • Abbreviations
    ABBREVIATIONS BB Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, 1st edition ©1939, 2nd edition ©1955, 3rd edition ©1976, 4th edition ©2011. BT Basic Text of Narcotics Anonymous, 5th edition ©1988. 12&12 Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions - AA World Services Inc., ©1953, Thirst for Freedom - David Stewart, ©1960. (Two copies of this book were found among Jimmy K’s possessions at the time of his death.) Book Titles Basic Text - Name given to first book form publication of Cover of AA Big Book - 2nd Ed, ©1955 NA - ©1982 “This basic text is based on an outline derived from our “This is the second edition of the big book, new and little white book.” Basic Text p. xi (1st Edition) revised, the basic text for Alcoholics Anonymous.” “The book ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ became the basic text of the fellowship and it still is.” Forward to the 12 steps and 12 traditions, AA World Service, ©1953. It Works How and Why, World Service Office of NA., ©1993 Title of Chapter 5, AA Big Book, “How It Works” Living Clean, World Service Office of NA., ©2012 Living Sober, World Service Office, AA ©1975 In an interview conducted January 2015, JW, an addict from Philadelphia, who drafted the original manuscript for a book to be called Living Clean, stated he took the term “living clean” directly from the AA book Living Sober. This manuscript was submitted to NA World Services in 1983 and is noted on the page xii, introduction to the current NA book, Living Clean, 2013 2 NA Primary Readings WHO IS AN ADDICT? “We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive “We are convinced to a man that alcoholics of our types are in illness whose ends are always the same.” BT, 6th ed., p.
    [Show full text]
  • June 2019 Lifeline
    I am responsi- ble when any- JUNE 2019 Volume 43, No. 6 one, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that I am respon- sible. life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn : 1. A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water. 2. A thing on which some- one depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com On a Friday night, September 17, 1954, Bill Dotson died in Akron, Ohio. "That is, people say he died, but he really didn't," wrote Bill Wilson. "His spirit and works are today alive in the hearts of uncounted AA's, and who can doubt that Bill already dwells in one of those many mansions in the great beyond." Bill Dotson, the "Man on the Bed," was AA number 3. At his death, he had not had a drink in more than nineteen years. His date of so- briety was the date he entered Akron's City Hospital for his last detox, June 26, 1935. Two days later occurred that fateful day when two sober alcoholics visited him: Dr. Bob Smith of Akron, Ohio, and Bill Wilson, a guest of Dr. Bob's from New York. A few days before, Dr. Bob had said to Bill: "If you and I are going to stay sober, we had better get busy." Dr. Bob called Akron's City Hospital and told the nurse, a "Mrs. Hall," that he and a man from New York had a cure for alcoholism.
    [Show full text]
  • A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous
    A Manual For Alcoholics Anonymous The Akron Manual 1940 Foreword This booklet is intended to be a practical guide for new members and sponsors of new members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Chapter 1 To The Newcomer: The booklet is designed to give you a practical explanation of what to do and what not to do in your search for sobriety. The editors, too, were pretty bewildered by the program at first. They realize that very likely you are groping for answers and offer this pamphlet in order that it may make a little straighter and less confusing the highway you are about to travel. To The Sponsor: If you have never before brought anyone into A.A. the booklet attempts to tell you what your duties are by your “baby,” how you should conduct yourself while visiting patients, and other odd bits of information, some of which may be new to you. The booklet should be read in conjunction with the large book, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Bible, the daily lesson, any other pamphlets that are published by the group, and other constructive literature. A list of suggestions will be found in the back pages of this pamphlet. It is desirable that members of A.A. furnish their prospective “babies” with this Manual as early as possible, particularly in the case of hospitalization. The experience behind the writing and editing of this pamphlet adds up to hundreds of years of drinking, plus scores of years of recent sobriety. Every suggestion, every word, is backed up by hard experience. The editors do not pretend any explanation of the spiritual or religious aspects of A.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Carrying the Message - Our Primary Purpose Aprii25-29, 1999
    Table of Contents AI-Anon Family Groups 1999 World Service Conference Carrying the Message - Our Primary Purpose ApriI25-29, 1999 Opening Events WSO's Trial Structure ...........................27 Conference Theme ............................ .2 Business Services .............................27 Greetings from the Board ........................2 Fellowship Communication .....................27 Open Forum ..................................3 Group Services .............................. .27 Trip to Stepping Stones ........................ .3 Membership Outreach .........................27 Sharing Area Highlights ........................ .4 Public Outreach ............................ ..28 Approval of Annual Report ..................... .4 From the Heart Standing Committee Assignments ................ .5 Sharings from Panel 37 Delegates ................29 Board and Committee Sessions Overseas Representatives .......................37 Board of Trustees Selection Process ..................6 Spiritual Speakers ............................ .40 1999 Regional Trustee Selection Report .............6 Wrap-Up Sessions 2000 Regional Trustee Plan ......................6 Closing Sharings ........................... .44 Nominating Committee .........................6 Passing It On .............................. .44 Conference Committee on Trustees ................7 Panel 37 Skit ................................44 Fellowship Communication ........................8 Conference Members ......................... .45 Forum Editorial Advisory Committee ...............8
    [Show full text]
  • STEP ACTION OUTLINE a Guide to Aid an Alcoholic in Taking and Using
    STEP ACTION OUTLINE A guide to aid an alcoholic in taking and using the steps of AA to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body Revised: September 2018 Materials: Alcoholics Anonymous – 4th Edition (The Big Book) Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (12 & 12) Notebook, pencil/pen Link to Step Action Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/stepaction Link to Step Action Website: https://sites.google.com/site/stepaction257 Links to Big Book and Twelve and Twelve through AA World Services http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions Link to Twelve Steps Illustrated through AA World Services: http://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/aa-literature/p-55-twelve-steps-illustrated 1 1. _____ Opening Session: Read Appendix II, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 567. Step One – We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable. FIRST STEP ACTION (Pages 1-43) 2. _____ Read the Preface and the Forwards to each edition. (pp. xi – xxiv) and Twelve and Twelve, p. 24. 3. _____ Read “The Doctor’s Opinion” pp. xxv – xxxii and Appendix III p. 569 a. Look up and write down in your notebook the definitions of the words "alcoholism." “allergy,” “chronic,” “craving,” “disease,” “obsession,” “powerless,” “psychic” “recovered” “manage” and "succumb." b. Write down all the ways you were and/or continue to be powerless over alcohol. c. List your reactions to “The Doctor’s Opinion.” 4. _____ Chapter 1 - Read “Bill’s Story” – pp. 1 – 16 and Dr. Bob’s Nightmare (p.
    [Show full text]
  • AA Help Line
    UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA HEALTH SYSTEM Jefferson District 9 Intergroup CrossTalk AA NewsLetter June/July 2012 Charlottesville, VA Area Volume 1 Issue 2 Hand Of When Sharing in Meetings is Not Enough… “CrossTalk!” AA [email protected] 24 Happy Founder’s Day, AA! Seventy-Seven Years! Hour A stock down the bottle (June 10, up more than a Christmas b r o k e r 1935), never to pick it up Turkey. So just what do you from New York, Bill W. had again. The bond formed think you, a man like you, Help traveled to Akron, Ohio on between the two men could do for me”? There was May 12, 1935 for a share- would grow into a move- a still pause while Bill W. just holders' meeting and proxy ment that would literally stared at Doctor Bob for a Line fight, which did not turn affect the lives of millions. moment. It seemed he had a out his way. At the time, Bill sense that he would be cut This is a transcript from W. had been sober for off again if he spoke. As the the Hallmark Hall of Fame 434- about five months. silence and pause continued, Movie titled, “My Name Is he simply replied to Doctor Drawn to the Bar Bill W.” in which Bill W. Bob; “Doctor Smith, I didn’t 293-6565 and Doctor Bob have their After losing the proxy fight, come here to help you. I very first conversation: I am Responsible. he found himself alone in a came here to help me”.
    [Show full text]
  • Spiritual Reading List II Alcoholic's Anonymous Approved
    Spiritual Reading List I. I. Alcoholic’s Anonymous Approved Literature: Wisdom & History ♦ ¨ Original Manuscript of the Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous A copy of the pre-publication manuscript circulated prior to printing of the 1st edition of the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous). Differences are underlined. The original belonged to Clarence Snyder, “The Brewmeister”, is in each printing of the Big Book. The Big Book’s “Womb.” Price: $10 Order Online at: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/sgly/books---liturature.html Also FREE Download at: http://www.silkworth.com An Amazing Site In Itself! ♦ ¨ Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book): “Reproduction of the First Printing of the First Edition “ (Hardcover - January 1999) This is where it all began! The Real Deal! If you want an Original – Go to Ebay Auction Online & Look to spend $600-800, you Bleeding Deacon, You! ♦ ¨ Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers: A Biography, With Recollections of Early A.A. in the Midwest -8 Classic A.A. History! The Good Doctor’s Spiritual Practice. Akron Meetings Required Reading ♦ ¨ Pass It on: The Story of Bill Wilson and How the A. A. Message Reached the World (#2075) (Hardcover - December 1984) How Our Founder’s Carried the Message, The Origin of the Big Book & the Steps, N.Y. Meetings. ♦ ¨ Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age: A Brief History of A. A. by Alcoholics Anonymous World Service A good, basic history text. ♦ ¨ The Language of the Heart: Bill W’s Grapevine Writings . by Alcoholics Anonymous World Service High spirited, inspirational writing. Bill W’s take on a lot of the things you wondered about.
    [Show full text]
  • December 2020—Januar Y 2021 Plan for The
    D e c e m b e r 2020— January 2021 From the Birmingham Intergroup Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous We are not a glum lot! (BB 132) We Celebrate these Holidays AND we live on life’s terms. We have a NEW Website, same address! Check it out: www.birminghamaa.org It is linked to the Meeting Guide App, which has up- to- date listings of in-person and Zoom meetings. Plan for the Holiday Family Gathering Anna H. Five Points AA This will be my 33rd sober Christmas. I don’t worry about spending time with the family like I did in the beginning. I have learned to have a plan when it comes to family events. In the beginning of my sobriety I was single, and my only obligation was to show up at the appointed time. I knew to take my own car to family functions and to have an exit plan. We lived from meeting to meeting during the holidays when I got sober. We went to the noon meeting, to the family event, and back to the 8 pm meeting. This year things are different. Thanks to the pandemic, my home group was not able to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Christmas plans are uncertain. If there is no family or group event to attend, or if you are not invited, have a plan! Don’t Pout! Attend meetings Gather your friends, if allowed. Make tons of calls: Not Texts, Calls! Offer to do service work for your home group. Decide that drinking is not an option.
    [Show full text]
  • K:\Collectionsmasterinventory
    The Dick B. Collection Master Inventory Bibliography "Making Known the Biblical History and Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous" An Eleven-Year Research, Writing, Publishing, and Fact Dissemination Project by Author Dick B. This master inventory of papers, letters, audio and video cassette tapes, pictures, books, pamphlets, and articles has been prepared in love and as a service to those who have so long sought and wanted unhindered access to the history of the spiritual development of Alcoholics Anonymous. Some of the important topics upon which items in this inventory shed light include: • Dr. Bob’s youthful experiences in St. Johnsbury, Vermont and Christian Endeavor. • The unusual introduction of new thought ideas from Mary Baker Eddy to William James to Emmet Fox. • The life-changing practices of Frank Buchman’s A First Century Christian Fellowship (also known as The Oxford Group, and later as Moral Re-Armament) • Rowland Hazard’s encounter with Dr. Carl Jung. • Rev. Sam Shoemaker’s special work and influence on Bill Wilson. • Anne Smith’s role as the “Mother of A.A.” • The Quiet Time practices, Bible study, prayer, guidance, and devotional explorations in Akron. • The Christian and other religious literature A.A. pioneers read. • The Big Book’s publication in 1939. • The astonishing achievements in the pioneer A.A. fellowships from 1935 to the early 1940's. • The resultant documented 75 to 93% success rate among “medically incurable alcoholics” who really tried for deliverance and truly placed their reliance for help on our Creator, whom Bill Wilson called God Almighty, our Maker, Father of Light, and God of our fathers; and Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • March 2016 Special Alateen Issue Connecticut Arelifelinea 7 Newsletter for Al-Anon & Alateen
    March 2016 Special Alateen Issue CONNECTICUT ARELifelineA 7 NEWSLETTER FOR AL-ANON & ALATEEN • Terryville Thursday Morning Family Group CT AFG Convention Thursday, April 21, 2016 9:30 a.m. Coffee; 10:00 a.m. Speakers. Lunch and raffle to follow 50th Anniversary “Miracles in Motion” Sign up Terryville Congregational Church April 1–3, 2016 (Friday–Sunday) for your miracle 233 Main St., Terryville Radisson Hotel, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell • Milford Monday Night “Parents of” Meeting (formerly called the Crowne Plaza Hotel) TOd Ay! Monday, April 25, 2016 With Al-Anon, Alateen and AA participation. 6:30 p.m. Potluck; 7:30 p.m. Speakers followed by raffle To register for the convention: 28th Anniversary Meeting • Go to www.ctalanon.org, click on the Convention webpage United Church of Christ — Plymouth building • Download and print the pre-registration form 18 West Main St., Milford • Mail form and payment to CT AFG Convention, PO Box 2122, Branford CT 06405 • rocky Hill Friday Night AFG Friday, April 29, 2016 • No computer access? Ask your GR for a registration form. 6:30 p.m. Potluck; 7:30 p.m. Speakers; 9:00 p.m. raffle • Pre-registration deadline for the convention is March 16. St. James Roman Catholic Church Walk-ins welcome 767 Elm St., Rocky Hill To make a hotel reservation: Please no nuts in the potluck • By phone: call the hotel at (860) 635-2000 • Or go online to www.radisson.com/ctafgcon16 use Convention code “1603AFGCON” for a discounted room rate. May Anniversary Meeting Questions or to volunteer: [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Dnewreporterjfeb2017
    VOLUME 54 NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 2017 Happy ValenƟne’s Day! Digital New Reporter Page 1 VOLUME 54 NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 2017 Restored Here we are, February, pondering and working Step 2 in yet an- other new year. Thank God for sponsees who keep the program fresh for me. I’m reminded of my initial Step2, how I was lost in a sea of self, tossed by the great waves of misery and humiliating failed attempts at sobriety. I did not believe you, not for one sec- ond, when you told me that God could and would restore me to sanity. My belief that God would restore me to sanity came slowly. I re- ally cannot tell when I could honestly admit to myself that I be- lieved God had accomplished that feat in me. I had moved through the steps and, one day someone said that God had re- stored them to sanity. I simply agreed. Somewhere along the line I had come to believe, through experience with sane thinking, that God actually had restored me some measure of sanity. Bill W. writes on page 26 of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradi- tions, that to “get sober and stay sober, you do not have to swal- low all of Step Two right now.” Somehow, understanding that my NOT believing was not such a unique experience gave me hope that perhaps I did have a chance at sobriety. Coupling this with the misery of working Step One “out there” had made me willing to move through the Steps regardless of whether I believed they would work for me or not.
    [Show full text]