[Sheryl85]

I love it and I think every group ought to do the Traditions Check List at least once in awhile…

You know, one thing that has been brought to my attention as of late is the fact that we tend to look at the short version of that Tradition without taking in consideration that there is the longer version. It says that our groups ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose which is to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Lately I’m getting frustrated by the feeling that the spiritual aspect is seemingly being overlooked. Personally, I’m not apologetic that I’ve had a spiritual awakening. I use it for the betterment of others as well as myself. It’s the main thing that does allow me to carry the message and not the mess. I feel that the better my spiritual condition, the better I can be of service to my group to make it stronger and more effective and I can use my personal experiences to help others hopefully make a spiritual connection as well.

I’ve noticed lately that I’ve also been allowing myself to be mentally hamstrung because a few well meaning members have expressed their view that speaking of a Higher Power (especially if that Higher Power seems to be connected in any way with “RELIGION”) smacks of cult like recruitment. (And to think, before I moved to Waco I was warned that I was moving to Jerusalem on the Brazos. Nothing seems further from the truth now days.) And it’s not just in my immediate area. I’ve seen some of that same opinion expressed in out-of-town meetings and even here on this site. (I do recognize the difference that this site is not affiliated with AA.) But, I’m hoping that this is not a trend in AA that will make a deep or lasting impression on our society. I know that I for one will defend every member’s right to have a “God of their understanding” be it religious based or not. After all, spirituality has no boundaries.

It is my personal belief that if groups stop being spiritual entities they will collapse. If they collapse, what will become of the alcoholic who still suffers? Our common welfare should come first…

For now I guess I’d better get back to the business of practicing Step 12, huh?