godsonmyside

July 25

Twelfth Step "failure"?

"Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

Step Twelve


There is no such thing as a "failed" Twelfth Step call. Even if our prospect doesn't get clean, we have accomplished two purposes. We have planted the seed of recovery in the mind of the addict with whom we have shared our experience, strength, and hope. And we ourselves have stayed clean another day. Rarely does a recovering addict leave a Twelve Step call with anything but a deep dose of gratitude.

Sometimes we are practicing the Twelfth Step without realizing it. When our co-workers or other acquaintances know some of our history and see what kind of person we are today, they know where to go when they have a friend or loved one in need of our help. We are often the best attraction that NA has to offer.

For many addicts, the Twelfth Step is the cornerstone of recovery. We truly believe that "we can only keep what we have by giving it away." The paradox of the Twelfth Step is evident, for in giving, we receive.


Just for today: I will remember that I am a living example of the Twelfth Step. I cannot "fail" when I try to carry the message to another addict.

pg. 215



Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous©

Imagine

Reading this I remember the person that first Twelfth Step me. It was my father who I grew up hating, he was a drunk that abandon us for the things king alcohol had to offer. He found his way in the rooms of AA after his doctor told him the durgs & alcohol had killed him and if he got clean that he may get a year or two more. Reading the 9th step overwhilemed him, that he can have a chance to tell us he was sorry. I was all in my own addiction when he came back, he did not preach to me. He shared his E.S.H. with me and said these words that by the grace of God never left me. When your sick and tired of being sick and tired they are a whole lot of people that's willing to help any way they can. He died in 1980 clean and sober for 5 years. I did not forgive him until a few years ago, and it's just this pass couple of years that I understand how much he loved me and how much my forgivness meant to him. Thanks for letting me share that, and thanks for being here when I got here. And most of all thanks Dad.