Talking to a friend of mine today, who knew my old sponsor, we went back over a lot of the wisdom he had passed on to us. One of those thoughts had a lot to do with the Fifth Tradition.
The alcoholic, who still suffers. It’s the group’s primary purpose to carry the message to those persons. I think most, when they talk about this, look mostly at the new person or the one coming back. Not so, like my sponsor pointed out. It can very often be someone with a lot of time in the program.
And what’s the message. It’s spiritual. Always. If it is a new person that’s exactly what the answer is to our alcoholism. The spiritual way of life and the spiritual awakening. The restoration to sanity. The same for the “old timers”, who are having trouble.
For instance, I looked back at the woman, who wrote the chapter Freedom From Bondage. Her hatred of her mother was eating her up. The solution was just that. The spiritual formula she used is in the BB. I often recommend it to those suffering from resentments.
And what did she say at the end of her story. The spiritual awakening she continued to receive. She said she didn’t always get what she wanted, but she always got what she needed. And when she got what she needed she found out it was what she wanted all along.
I talked to a few people I have known in this program for a long time. They were suffering within. Struggling. Easy to pass this stuff by, especially if we’re not aware of it. Eaten up within by long term stuff. Things we don’t bring up at meetings. And just as often they’re not aware of what is bothering them. The source of their suffering. Their pain.
I knew exactly where they were at. Been there myself. And like me they were now seeking solutions to what was bothering them. And like the Fifth Tradition says. We carry the message to each of them. And like my sponsor would point out and experience has taught me over the years, the answer is always spiritual. My Higher Power. The Second Step all over again. The Tenth Step and the Eleventh. The Twelfth. That’s where not only the answer is, but the relief we all are seeking. Even back to the Eighth and Ninth if necessary. Maybe Four and Five. And of course the Third. Learning to turn it over. Letting go and letting God.
Not always easy. It takes footwork on my part. A willingness to do what is necessary. Like I said, it worked for Freedom From Bondage and so many like myself through the years, if I’m willing to do it. Like my sponsor asked me in the beginning. To what lengths was I willing to go. I told him “any”. Of course it took time for this crazy alcoholic to do it. But eventually I did. And that’s why, I guess, I’m still here. Getting what I need.
Anyway I had a lot to think about after we talked this afternoon. We both spoke about how grateful we were for knowing my sponsor and being able to do what he did. Staying sober.