I often wonder what my life would have been like had I never been offered hope from a recovering alcoholic. In fact, when I have the occasional “drunk dream”, I wake up grateful and shudder to think that in a parallel universe, I might still be living in the nightmare that was my disease of addiction.
Because of our primary purpose to stay sober/clean and help other alcoholics/ addicts to achieve sobriety, millions of lives have been saved from destruction. Even more families, friends, employers and communities have benefited because the lives of their loved ones do this 180 degree turn. This kind of synergy is unparalleled.
The irony of it all is that Bill W., in order to save himself from falling off the precipice into yet another possibly deadly relapse, went to great lengths to seek out another drunk to talk to and offer hope and a solution to their drinking problem. Something most miraculous happened in that Akron, Ohio hotel lobby in 1935 that compelled Bill to start the chain reaction with Dr. Bob in what may be one of the most significant moments in the spiritual evolution of humankind.
They say in order to keep what was freely given to us, we must give it away. Carrying the message is not a chore – it is, as the book states, the JOY of living. One of the 12th Step promises says that ‘frequent contact with newcomers is the bright spot of our lives.” And it really is for this alcoholic.
My next blog entry will be about ALL the Promises in the Big Book, not just the 9th Step Promises you hear at most meetings. Many people think it absurd that all these things can happen to a person when they follow a few simple suggestions called the Twelve Steps. But there is so much evidence and testimony to its truth.
These are just some of the 12th Step Promises. And there are even more!
You can help when no one else can.
You can secure their confidence when others fail.
Life will take on new meaning.
You will make lifelong friends.
Watch a Fellowship grow up about you.
You will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life.
You will learn the full meaning of “Love thy neighbor as thyself”.
The age of miracles is still with us. Our own recovery proves that.
When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God's hands were better than anything we could have planned.
Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!
Assuming we are spiritually fit, we can do all sorts of things alcoholics are not supposed to do.
God will keep you unharmed.
God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order.
Great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.
This is the gravy. But there are so many reasons an alcoholic who has had their spiritual awakening MUST carry the message.
First of all when someone discovers something amazing that enriches their life, whether it’s the latest electronic gadget, the newest diet or a great sale at the local store, they are compelled to share it with the people around them. When one finds freedom and joy and a design for living that really works, they cannot help but desire to pass that on. Indeed, you almost have to because you feel so passionately about it.
And then there’s the matter of it being vital (which means life-giving) if we are to continue enjoying that freedom.
Call it a secret ingredient? Who knows why, but it does work and it is absolutely necessary, I have found if I want to live happily and usefully whole as the introduction to the 12 x 12 states. Below are just some of the reasons WHY we carry the message .
1) Helping others is the foundation stone of recovery
2) Nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics
3) Our very lives as ex-problem drinkers (or dope fiends) depends upon my constant thought of others and how I may help meet their needs.
4) A kindly act once in a while is not enough, you have to act the good Samaritan everyday if need be
5) Strenuous work, one alcoholic with another, is VITAL to permanent recovery.
6) If an alcoholic fails to perfect & enlarge their spiritual life through work and self sacrifice for others, they could not survive the certain trials & low spots ahead. If they do not work, they would surely drink again and if they drank, they will surely die, then faith would dead indeed.”
7) The Rx for Sex - “If sex is particularly troublesome , we throw ourselves the harder into working with others!”
8) Addresses the spiritual malady manifested in the bedevilments –where we feel we couldn’t be of much use to other people, feelings of uselessness and self-pity– no matter how far down the scale we have gone becomes experience that can actually can benefit others. Now our suffering was not all for naught.
9) Our past is the Clavis Aurea – the Golden Key – to help avert death and misery for others.
Dr. Bob wrote in his story that helping other alcoholics who “want it and need it badly” was his way of showing gratitude, that it (was) a pleasure , and his sense of duty in addition to a little more insurance against a slip.
Dr. Bob helped literally thousands of drunks in finding recovery during his lifetime and all because Bill made a phone call, because Bill wanted to stay sober.
Now that’s passing it on!
