A Grapeview reading shared with us recently really resonated with me.
“With each passing year we increasingly realize the immense importance of adequately presenting the program to every new prospect who is in the least inclined to listen. Many of us feel this to be our greatest obligation to him and our failure to do so our greatest dereliction. The difference between a good approach and a bad one can mean life or death to those who seek our help.”
This is strictly a ‘volunteer’ program in that we are encouraged to extend the lifeline of the program to newcomers as it was given to us in our need. When I first came to the tables I was a complete and utter mess, could not stop crying the whole meeting. I was beaten down so far by alcohol that I saw no way out and contemplated the unthinkable to end my pain. AA was my last resort. I had searched out and tried every other possible solution (in my head) to avoid coming to AA but nothing worked and my life had continued to spiral downward.
At my first meeting of AA, I was greeted and accepted, given advice, phone numbers and a Big Book. These people did not know me but cared about sharing the miracle of AA. As time went on, people answered their phones when I called and sponsored me when I asked. Their motive, to pass on the program to a desperate alcoholic who needed help. Without them passing on the program to me with no reward to them, I would not have made it.
This program is a miracle in itself as it continues on with the basic principle of helping other alcoholics as we were helped. We come to learn that if we are to keep this gift, it has to be given away. The good of the AA program and continuing to reach out to those who still suffer is paramount. This program would not work, would not still exist, without these basic principles. My sobriety would have withered long ago without service to others in this program.
So many times I have given so much of myself to help another alcoholic and then they just turn around and go back to that life. I can live with that as I know I did all that I could. Maybe a seed has been planted that may bloom in the future. Regardless, I can feel good about doing all I could to give away what was freely given to me.
Thanks for letting me lead this week’s meeting.