Daily Reflections

[CarolD]

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
WHAT WE NEED -- EACH OTHER

. . . A.A. is really saying to every serious drinker, "You are an A.A. member if you say so . . . nobody can keep you out."

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 139

For years, whenever I reflected on Tradition Three ("The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking"), I thought it valuable only to newcomers. It was their guarantee that no one could bar them from A.A. Today I feel enduring gratitude for the spiritual development the Tradition has brought me. I don't seek out people obviously different from myself. Tradition Three, concentrating on the one way I am similar to others, brought me to know and help every kind of alcoholic, just as they have helped me. Charlotte, the atheist, showed me higher standards of ethics and honor; Clay, of another race, taught me patience; Winslow, who is gay, led me by example into true compassion; Young Megan says that seeing me at meetings, sober thirty years, keeps her coming back. Tradition Three insured that we would get what we need -- each other.


Copyright .. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC

[deezaldog]

I know when I first entered the rooms of AA I thought I was a better than. Since I was there on a "voluntary" basis I was Better than. those there on court order, house arrest, out of rehab or because they had to be. Despite myself, I was welcomed with open arms and without judgement. When noone else wanted to be around me, I was welcomed in the rooms of AA. I have learned through gently guidance that I was and still am very important in the rooms. Now, when a newcomer walks in, I make every effort to welcome them and introduce myself. The newcomer is why we are there. LOL:ghug2

[Rob B]

Tradition three is interesting, I understand why it exists, and I agree and appreciate the spirit in which it is intended. I also believe what my book says: The most powerful desire to stop drinking is of absolutely no avail this interests me, a desire will make me a member but wil not satisfy the requirements sufficient to recover. I don't think we discuss the latter enough.

True the newcomer is the life blood to the fellowship, blood needs a heart in which to circulate and nourish all parts of the body. In my opinion recovered members of AA are this heart, properly armed with facts about themselves and willing to pass on the solution contained in the Big Book.

[miss communicat]

fresh blood and the continued circulation of it, a heart and the spirit that enlivens it,

all essential components of a living organism.

so, aa is alive! and recovery is a living, breathing entity.

and desire brings us to it.
desire is a powerful force, and when turned in the highest direction, it can motivate miraculous shifts.

but in my experience, desire alone will never sustain the miracle. the highest power is required for that.