Big Book Study - Post #34
Jim K
Good morning everyone!
Today we will begin on page 122 - "The Family Afterward."
The dynamics of a family that has endured alcoholism are skewed to the point where living together has become difficult, sometimes almost impossible. Written many years before Alanon and Alateen were formed, this and the preceding chapter attempt to steer
us all--alcoholic or not--down the spiritual path.
Paragraph 3 on page 122 is a theme that is oft repeated throughout the book:
"Cessation of drinking is but the first step away from a highly strained, abnormal condition."
AA isn't a "not drinking
club". Reading to page 127 the advice is offered to all--alcoholic or not--that patient striving is required
to become free of the past and to grow into something better. Although we want results now, we must realize that it will take time to recover on all different levels.
On page 127, the first paragraph reminds us to be cautious about focusing on a single aspect of our recovery.
"The head of the house ought to remember that he is mainly to blame for what befell his home. He can scarcely square the account in his lifetime.
But he must see the danger of over-concentration on financial success. Although financial recovery is on the way for many of us, we found we could not place money first. For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never preceded."
If we concentrate on our spiritual condition we will mend financially.
The following paragraph directs us to make our efforts under our own roofs.
"Since the home has suffered more than anything else, it is well that a man exert himself there. He is not likely to get
far in any direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own roof. We know there are difficult wives and families, but the man who is getting over alcoholism must remember he did much to make them so."
The underlying message here is about balance.
An overemphasis on any single area creates imbalance. Those areas that are neglected suffer. Balance is something to be sought after. Over-concentration on finances, spirituality, meeting attendance, relationships, etc., at the expense of those other things
that comprise this life will lead us to more difficulty. Remembering that life is lived outside of the rooms of AA is important.
With our next post we will start on page 128. The discussion will start with how the family reacts to a
"stirring spiritual experience."
Thanks for participating!
Have a great day!
Jim K. - The
Into Action Group of Manhattan
6:30pm Wednesdays at St. Francis
De Sales Church
135 East 96th Street (Near Lexington
Avenue)
On Manhattan's Upper East Side
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