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This is called "Why You Were Chosen" and I believe it was written by a judge in Chicago in the forties. I've always liked it, however, I've heard some AA's refer to us as "God's chosen," like we are special or something. Now, I like to think I'm special, but what I have to realize is that it is my dark past and sometimes my dark present that are my greatest asset in helping other alcoholics. It is not my virtues that make me useful in Alcoholics Anonymous, but my shortcomings and mistakes. so, I am nothing special, but because of my experience, I can be uniquely useful to another alcoholic.
Having said all that, I do realize the great responsibility we've given. "To whom much is given, much will be asked." I've always needed a reason to get up in the morning beyong just going to work. I am not the type of person who can be satisfied with just getting up and going to work and getting up and coming home and going to bed and then getting up and starting all over. Life has to have some depth and purpose and meaning. Look what God has done for those of us that are wired that way. New people put their lives in our hands on a daily basis. Now there is depth and purpose and meaning, and it is an awesome responsibility that I do not take lightly.
There is one sentence in the book that says it all for me. "We have recovered and been given the power to help others." That is what power is for, to use it for anything else is a waste of spirit. But then again, all the power that God has is mine as long as I use it for what it is for.
Jim
Big Book quotes from Alcoholics Anonymous, First Edition
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