~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Trouble
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"There was a time when we ignored trouble,
hoping it would go away.
Or, in fear and depression, we ran from it,
but found it was still with us.
Often, full of unreason, bitterness, and blame,
we fought back.
These mistaken attitudes, powered by alcohol,
guaranteed our destruction,
unless they were altered. . .
Then came AA.
Surprisingly, we found that our troubles could,
under God's grace,
be converted into unimaginable blessings."
Bill W., Letter, 1966
1967AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 110
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Thought to Consider . . .
The peaks and valleys of my life
have become gentle rolling hills.
S O B E R = Son Of a Basket, Everything's Real
*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~* ~*
Why does he behave like this? If hundreds of experiences have shown him that one drink means another debacle with all its attendant suffering and humiliation, why is it he takes that one drink? Why can't he stay on the water wagon? What has become of the common sense and will power that he still sometimes displays with respect to other matters?
Perhaps there never will be a full answer to these questions. Opinions vary considerably as to why the alcoholic reacts differently from normal people. We are not sure why, once a certain point is reached, little can be done for him. We cannot answer the riddle.
2001, AAWS, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous, page 22
THOSE WHO STILL SUFFER
Let us resist the proud assumption that since God has enabled
us to do well in one area we are destined to be a channel of
saving grace for everybody.
A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 232
A. A. groups exist to help alcoholics achieve sobriety. Large
or small, firmly established or brand-new, speaker,
discussion or study group has but one reason for being: to
carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic. The group
exists so that the alcoholic can find a new way of life, a
life abundant in happiness, joy, and freedom. To recover,
most alcoholics need the support of a group of other
alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope.
Thus my sobriety, and our program's survival, depend on my
determination to put first things first
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~ *~*~*~*
Never the Same Again
It was discovered that when one alcoholic had planted in the mind of another the true nature of his malady, that person could never be the same again. Following every spree, he would say to himself, "Maybe those A.A.'s were right." After a few such experiences, often before the onset of extreme difficulties, he would return to us convinced.
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In the first years, those of us who sobered up in A.A. had been grim and
utterly hopeless cases. But then we began to have success with milder
alcoholics and even some potential alcoholics. Younger folks appeared. Lots of people turned up who still had jobs, homes, health, and even good social standing.
Of course, it was necessary for these newcomers to hit bottom emotionally. But they did not have to hit every possible bottom in order to admit that they were licked.
1. TWELVE AND TWELVE, pp. 23-24 - 2. A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 199
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
"Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the
past. We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out
of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we
haven't the will to do this, we ask until it comes. Remember it was
agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over
alcohol."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg.76~
A.A. Thought for the Day
To continue the paraphrase of the psalm: "The judgments of
the Twelve Steps are true and righteous altogether. More to
be desired are they than whiskey, yea, than much fine whiskey,
sweeter also than wine. Moreover, by them are alcoholics
warned and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can
understand our alcoholism? Cleanse us from secret faults. Keep
us from presumptuous resentments. Let them not have dominion
over us. Then shall we be upright and free of the great
transgression." Am I resolved that liquor will never again
have dominion over me?
Meditation for the Day
God can be your shield. Then no problems of the world can harm
you. Between you and all scorn and indignity from others is your
trust in God, like a shining shield. Nothing can th en have the
power to spoil your inward peace. With this shield, you can
attain this inward peace quickly, in your surroundings as well
as in your heart. With this inward peace, you do not need to
resent the person who troubles you. Instead, you can overcome
the resentment in your own mind which may have been aroused by
that person.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may strive for inward peace. I pray that I may not
be seriously upset, no matter what happens around me.
Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012
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