Carol87
12-14-2005, 12:20 PM
REACHING OUT
Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 95
When I come into contact with a newcomer, do I have a tendency to look at him from my perceived angle of success in A.A.? Do I compare him with the large number of acquaintances I have made in the Fellowship? Do I point out to him in a magisterial way the voice of A.A.? What is my real attitude toward him? I must examine myself whenever I meet a newcomer to make sure that I am carrying the message with simplicity, humility and generosity. The one who still suffers from the terrible disease of alcoholism must find in me a friend who will allow him to get to know the A.A. way, because I had such a friend when I arrived in A.A. Today it is my turn to hold out my hand, with love, to my sister or brother alcoholic, and to show her or him the way to happiness. _________________________________________________
Daily Reflection for December 14 ?? ?-- from Working with Others ?
The one who still suffers from the terrible disease of alcoholism must find in me a friend who will allow him to get to know the A.A. way, because I had such a friend when I arrived in A.A.? That hit home with this alcoholic ? it reminds me of the phenomenal patience that so many had with me when I was struggling ? and something I need to remember today when I meet a newcomer.? Too many times, I expect far more from a newcomer than they he/she is able to give depending on where he/she is in recovery.? ?... I remember too well how to "preach" and forget how to "make suggestions" ...
Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 95
When I come into contact with a newcomer, do I have a tendency to look at him from my perceived angle of success in A.A.? Do I compare him with the large number of acquaintances I have made in the Fellowship? Do I point out to him in a magisterial way the voice of A.A.? What is my real attitude toward him? I must examine myself whenever I meet a newcomer to make sure that I am carrying the message with simplicity, humility and generosity. The one who still suffers from the terrible disease of alcoholism must find in me a friend who will allow him to get to know the A.A. way, because I had such a friend when I arrived in A.A. Today it is my turn to hold out my hand, with love, to my sister or brother alcoholic, and to show her or him the way to happiness. _________________________________________________
Daily Reflection for December 14 ?? ?-- from Working with Others ?
The one who still suffers from the terrible disease of alcoholism must find in me a friend who will allow him to get to know the A.A. way, because I had such a friend when I arrived in A.A.? That hit home with this alcoholic ? it reminds me of the phenomenal patience that so many had with me when I was struggling ? and something I need to remember today when I meet a newcomer.? Too many times, I expect far more from a newcomer than they he/she is able to give depending on where he/she is in recovery.? ?... I remember too well how to "preach" and forget how to "make suggestions" ...