Recovery Thoughts & Quotes 11/7

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~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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/AA\
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Possibility

"As soon as we admitted the possible existence
of a Creative Intelligence,
A Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things,
we began to be possessed of a new sense
of power and direction,
provided we took other simple steps.
We found that God does not make too hard terms
for those who seek Him.
To us, the Realm of the Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive,
never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek.
It is open, we believe, to all men."
c. 1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 46
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Thought to Consider . . .

Take a walk with God. He will meet you at the Steps.
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*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F A I T H = Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him.

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*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*


Very Precious Thing
From: "Loneliness to Solitude"
There are two sides of man's being alone. In our language, loneliness expresses the pain of being alone. Solitude expresses the glory of being alone.

What happens to us in AA that makes it possible for us, not only to endure, but to enjoy moments of solitude? What changes our loneliness to solitude?

The love and understanding we find in AA are a protective curtain between ourselves and the aching aloneness of our drinking days. The first few weeks, some of us spend most of our time in an AA club talking with others. Then it becomes evident that we must go to work and somehow meet the demands and responsibilities of our daily lives. We are afraid. Will the old loneliness hit us again when we are out of the actual presence of other AA members?

Sooner or later, by practicing the principles of the Twelve Steps, we find in ourselves a very precious thing, something inside that we can be comfortable with regardless of whether we are at home by ourselves or anywhere else that life takes us.

AA members are not emotional cripples who need someone to hold their hands every moment of the day and night to prevent their falling. We grow up with the help of God, as we understand Him, and the fellowship of the group, and by applying the Twelve Steps to our lives.

1973, AAWS, Inc., Came to Believe…, page 109

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*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"When we became alcoholics, crushed by a self-imposed crisis we could
not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that
either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is or He
isn't."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 53~

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Misc. AA Literature - Quote




Though the variations were many, my main theme was always 'How godawful I am!' Just as I often exaggerated my modest attainments by pride, so I exaggerated my defects through guilt. I would race about, confessing all (and a great deal more) to whoever would listen. Believe it or not, I took this widespread exposure of my sins to be great humility on my part, and considered it a great spiritual asset and consolation!
But later on I realized at depth that the great harms I had done others were not truly regretted. These episodes were merely the basis for storytelling and exhibitionism. With this realization came the beginning of a certain amount of humility.

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Member Submitted Quote



Since our tradition on anonymity designates the exact level where the line should be held, it must be obvious to everyone who can read and understand the English language that to maintain anonymity at any other level is definitely a violation of this Tradition. - ( Dr. Bob Smith as quoted in 'Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers' ) ( Jim B. )

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12 x 12 Quote

"This practice of admitting one's defects to another person is, of
course, very ancient. It has been validated in every century, and it
characterizes the lives of all spiritually centered and truly religious
people. But today religion is by no means the sole advocate of this
saving principle. Psychiatrists and psychologists point out the deep
need every human being has for practical insight and knowledge of his
own personality flaws and for a discussion of them with an
understanding and trustworthy person. So far as alcoholics are
concerned, AA would go even further. Most of us would declare that
without a fearless admission of our defects to another human being we
could not stay sober. It seems plain that the grace of God will not
enter to expel our destructive obsessions until we are willing to try
this." (Twelve and Twelve, Step Five, pg. 56)