For all its usual destructiveness, we have found that fear can be the starting point for better things. Fear can be a steppingstone to prudence and to a decent respect for others. It can point the path to justice, as well as to hate. And the more we have of respect and justice, the more we shall begin to find the love which can suffer much, and yet be freely given. So fear need not always be destructive, because the lessons of its consequences can lead us to positive values.
The devil doesn't show up in firey red with horns in my life. He shows up in a cabinet staring at me with warning labels and not another soul in sight. Funny how warning labels do not scare us alcoholics, if anything it temps us even further. But these moments when we look at rationalizing the thoughts of "well this bottle of downers is free, I will take half sell half" is when I am grateful to have learned what practicing what words like prudence means. Only thru aa would I have even entertained such a word.
Bill W. had many flaws and character defects. One of his greatest strengths was honestly recognizing them, understanding them, and analyzing a way out from under the oppressive weight of those afflictions.
He knew that working through a rigorous reflective process was crucial to living a good life. And to spiritual awakening.
