Quote:
"This is only one man's opinion based on his own experience, of course. I must quickly assure you that A.A.'s tread innumerable paths in their quest for faith. If you don't care for the one I've suggested, you'll be sure to discover one that suits if only you look and listen. Many a man like you has begun to solve the problem by the method of substitution. You can, if you wish, make A.A., itself your `higher power.' Here's a very large group of people who have solved their alcohol problem. In this respect they are certainly a power greater than you, who have not even come close to a solution. Surely you can have faith in them. Even this minimum of faith will be enough.
You will find many members who have crossed the threshold just this way. All of them will tell you that, once across, their faith broadened and deepened. Relieved of the alcohol obsession, their lives unaccountably transformed, they came to believe in a Higher Power, and most of them began to talk of God."
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As I stated earlier, I found faith in AA and in one sense it became my Higher Power. I heard the phrase "Good Orderly Direction" and came up with my own "Divine Orderly Good." I called it the God/Dog syndrome. It doesn't matter if your concept of God is different than anyone else's. What was important was finding my own personal belief. When I saw the program working in my life, I developed a deeper faith and was able to tap into the power that I found in the rooms. I call a meeting a "God Village." When I surrendered and asked for help, it is my belief that I was connected to the Spirit of God and the same is true for everyone who is at a meeting. Whether they choose to tap into that Power, acknowledge it, and utilize it is up to them. I believe it is there and when I surrender, I am empowered to do what I need to stay clean and sober in today.
To be continued...