"As by some deep instinct, we
have known from the very beginning that, no matter what the provocation, we must
never publicly take sides, as A.A.'s, in any fight, even a worthy one. All
history affords us the spectacle of striving nations and groups finally torn
asunder because they were designed for, or tempted into, controversy. Others
fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while trying to force upon the
rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification. In our own times we
have seen millions die in political and economic wars often spurred by religious
and racial differences."
2001 AAWS, Inc.
Alcoholics
Anonymous Comes of Age, pg.
123
IT
WORKS
It works - it really does.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 88
When I got sober I initially had faith only in the program
of Alcoholics Anonymous. Desperation and fear kept me sober (and maybe a
caring and/or tough sponsor helped!). Faith in a Higher Power came much
later. This faith came slowly at first, after I began listening to others
share at meetings about their experiences - experiences that I had never faced
sober, but that they were facing with strength from a Higher Power. Out of
their sharing came hope that I too would - and could - "get" a Higher
Power. In time, I learned that a Higher power - a faith that works under
all conditions - is possible. Today this faith, plus the honesty,
open-mindedness and willingness to work the Steps of the program, gives me the
serenity that I seek. It works - it really
does.
Copyright 1990
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*^Twenty
Four
Hours A
Day^*
A.A. Thought for the Day
When I find myself thinking about
taking a drink, I say to myself. "Don't reach out and take that problem back.
You've given it to God and there's nothing you can do about it." So I forget
about the drink. One of the most important parts of the A.A. program is to give
our drink problem to God honestly and fully and never to reach out and take the
problem back to ourselves. If we let God have it and keep it for good and then
cooperate with Him, we'll stay sober. Have I determined not to take the drink
problem back to myself?
Meditation for the Day
Constant effort is necessary if I am to grow
spiritually and develop my spiritual life. I must keep the spiritual rules
persistently, perseveringly, lovingly, patiently, and hopefully. By keeping
them, every mountain of difficulty shall be laid low, the rough places of
poverty of spirit shall be made smooth, and all who know me shall know that God
is the Lord of all my ways. To get close to the spirit of God is to find life
and healing and strength.
Prayer for the Day
I pray that God's spirit may be everything to my
soul. I pray that God's spirit may grow within me.
Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN
55012