|
|
Post by caressa on Jul 8, 2010 5:05:08 GMT -5
This reminded me of how my sponsor reinforced to me, "Don't look at the messenger, look at the message. It doesn't matter if it is a he or a she, new in sobriety or a long-timer, each has their own message to give.
When a dear friend passed away as a result of her addiction, she also said, "She carried a great message to you. Remember it. To use is to die."
I am reminded, "What message are you carrying? Am I walking my talk? Will someone see me and know that I have the gift of this program?
Am I open to messages from outside the box. Do I limit my god by my limited vision and my closed minded attitude.
|
|
|
|
Post by SunnyGirl on Jul 12, 2010 14:02:19 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing Caressa, well said! What message are you carrying? Am I walking my talk?
Will someone see me and know that I have the gift of this program? And I am reminded... “If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.” - - Catherine Aird In our on-line meetings, I listen to the shares and it makes me feel like I want what all of you with many years have! I do want to set a good example for those around me, not just those in recovery, but to my loved ones and neighbors. If God is in my life, I want others to see Him shining though and encourage them to allow Him in their life. The best way to do this is letting your words and actions speak for themselves. A good example is the best sermon.... Peace on the journey, SG |
|
|
|
Post by caressa on Jul 12, 2010 17:56:12 GMT -5
On another site, I was continually put upon by few members because I did not quote the Big Book, mainly the first 164 page.
I was told that it was messages like mine that kill people. I was told I wasn't an alcoholic. To go and do a Step Four and take my inventory.
The attack by these people had me questoning myself and thought, "Maybe I am not an alcoholic!? I don't act and think like these people. Perhaps I don't have a problem after all, maybe I can go out and have a social drink if I wasn't a diabetic.
I do admit to being hurt and resentful of the continual attacks and I got to a stage where I was taking them personally. I have always known I was an addict. My denial was always about being an alcoholic.
The person told me I had no compassion and a whole lot of other things and then she turned around and requested that I be her friend. As they say, "I think not!" With a friend like that, I don't need an enemy. If she was willing to buy into the game playing and character assasination that was going on at the site, without getting to know me or my story, then she doesn't want to be my friend. If she was my friend, she would here the same story off the site as she would on it.
The discussion that lead to the controversy was about discounting the chapter where they talk about acceptance. "Acceptance is the key to all my problems today..." The person she was in agreement with said that the story should be cut out of the Big Book. Acceptance is not mentioned in the Big Book's first 164 pages and therefore shouldn't be a part of recovery. The story was Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict.
I wrote that the spiritual principles to do Step One were honesty, surrender and acceptance. For me, these were the requirements to do Step One 100%. According these people, that is not right because it reads differently in the front of the Big Book.
I find it very ironic, that people who are alcoholic are trying to drive everone out of AA if you don't fit into their narrow guidelines. I had thought to go back to AA now that my son is no longer in town. If this is the spirit of the fellowship now, then I don't want any part of it.
Whatever happened to the still sick and suffering.... I have been in a lot of pain and the stinking thinking keeps coming in, "Gee it would be nice to have no pain for just a few hours." I don't need someone to tell me that my words kill people. I know that picking up is not the solution. I know that 'anything' is not going to make it 'all' better.
Acceptance is the key to my recovery today. I have to accept my chronic pain. I have to accept my alcoholism. I have to accept my addiction. I have to accept that to use is to die.
Thanks for letting me share.
|
|
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.