One of our members got me to thinking with what he said today. That there are no lies in AA. Quite a statement, but, when I go back and think about it, he’s absolutely right.
Just think, rarely have we seen a person fail, who has thoroughly followed our path. In my years in this program I can testify to that each and everyday. Going way back to so many, who have come through these doors before and after me, I have witnessed so many, who have lived and died sober. And a lot of them, like myself, have gone through good and “bad” times in this program, yet stayed sober.
Take the Twelve Promises. Over and over, in my experience, and those of others, who have talked about these, they have come true. A new freedom and a new happiness. Freedom from the bondage of alcohol and the happiness which followed, along with serenity and peace I never knew before. And my awful experiences out there, while I was drinking have allowed some new people to relate and find their way into sobriety. And my negative thoughts and feelings have dropped out of the picture when dealing with my fellow alcoholics, along with my selfishness. It’s true that my life is not the same as it was when I came in. It’s more open and honest and caring than I can ever remember. And I know from some pretty rough experiences that my financial concerns aren’t even close to fear anymore. That’s not important anymore. And the intuition I used to think I had out there drinking has been replaced by the truth in things which I never knew I could experience. And, yes, my Higher Power is constantly taking care of me and my fellow alcoholics.
What is more the spiritual awakening promised in the Twelfth Step happened right during the Ninth Step. Gratitude has become part of my life. I have found that Spiritual way of life in this program. Joy also has come as a result of my staying sober.
I can go back and examine my life and that of others, who have shared with me, and find that all I have been told about this way of life is absolutely the truth. And I know, as long as I stay faithful and follow what I have learned in here, especially that I cannot stay sober by myself and go to meetings, I will not drink. I haven’t had a drink since I came into this program so many years ago. Amazing for a drunk like myself. Talk about a miracle. The truth.