"At first they
wanted the word 'God' deleted from the book entirely. Henry had come to believe
in some sort of 'universal power,' but Jimmy still flabbergasted us by
denouncing God at our meetings. Some members had been so angered that they
wanted to throw him out of the group. But most of us thought it better to let
him talk on, believing that eventually he would change his mind, which he later
did. What Henry [P.], Jimmy [B.], and company wanted was a psychological
book which would lure the alcoholic in. Once in, the prospect could take God or
leave Him alone as he wished. To the rest of us this was a shocking proposal,
but happily we listened and eventually learned something of great value.
Actually our group conscience was at work to construct the most acceptable and
effective book possible. Every voice in it was playing its appointed part to
create an outcome that was to be nothing less than
providential."
2001 AAWS, Inc.
Alcoholics
Anonymous Comes of Age, pg.
162-163
*^Daily
Reflections^*
FALSE PRIDE
Many of us who had
thought ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing
to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.75
Many false notions operate in
false pride. The need for direction to live a decent life is satisfied by the
hope experienced in the A.A. Fellowship. Those who have walked the way for
years - a day at a time - say that a God-centered life has limitless
possibilities for personal growth. This being so, much hope is transmitted by
the elder A.A.s.
I thank my Higher Power for letting me know that He
works through other people, and I thank Him for our trusted servants in the
Fellowship who aid new members to reject their false ideals and to adopt those
which lead to a life of compassion and trust. The elders in A.A. challenge
the newcomers to "Come To" - so that they can "Come to Believe". I ask my
Higher Power to help my unbelief.
Copyright 1990
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES,
INC.