A couple of things came up today, which could be seriously dangerous. Someone, with a few days in the program, wanted the group to help them with their personal problems. It was one of those reminders of new people thinking they know how this program works. I’ve seen what this has done before.
I remember one member, a long time ago, who had a short time in the program in the beginning. He thought he knew what to do and didn’t need help. He went over to a man’s house, whom he knew back in his drinking days. He went up on the porch to talk to the man and end their conflict. The wife of the man talked to him through the screen, while her husband came around behind him with a baseball bat. He hit him and fractured his skull.
And that brought up the Tenth Step spiritual axiom, that whenever we’re disturbed there’s something wrong with us. It’s not someone else we need to take care of, It’s myself. But I have to know that. And that’s where we need directions from someone, who knows how this program works for alcoholics like ourselves. We all need help from those, who know how to help us personally, and help us to go to meetings and listen to how this program works a day at at time. If I think I need counseling, I need to go to my sponsor, or a counselor outside the meeting.
Once again it reminds me of how huge our egos are and our belief we don’t need help. Like I said in the past, I knew nothing, when I came here. I didn’t know that. I thought I didn’t need help from others. I was filled with pride and dishonesty. I didn’t know that. And then my old sponsor took over and pointed out to me that I didn’t know that I didn’t know. I only thought I did. And that began to wake me up and to help me change and be able to stay sober. I often think about this and the gratitude it gave me since then. It saved my life. I know that, because I’ve seen what has happened to alcoholics like me, when they thought they knew everything. I’ve seen them drink again, and the awful things which happened to them, as a result.
Hopefully this person heard and met someone, who can help them. Like I said, I know how this works for alcoholics like myself. And I am grateful, as I said. I know it works, because I’m still sober, like so many others I know in here, who changed and followed directions and are still sober, a day at a time. Not just the Steps alone, but the spiritual foundation we all need. I know that’s what I was given like so many others, who are still here with me.