"Years ago I used to commiserate with all people who suffered. Now I commiserate only with those who suffer in ignorance, who do not understand the purpose and ultimate utlity of pain." ~~~~~~~ Someone once remarked that pain is the touchstone of spiritual progress. How heartily we A.A.'s can agree with him, for we know that the pains of alchoholism had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity. ~~~~~~~~ "Believe more deeply. Hold your face up to the Light, even though for the moment you do not see." ~~~~~~~~
"As Bill Sees It" pg 3 1. Letter, 1950 2. Twelve and Twelve, pg 93-94 3. Letter, 1950
"the pains of alchoholism had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity."
that's the unfortunate truth, as denial is the insulator of pain, and alcohol is the pain killer. When the pain gets too great, many look to recovery, others look for a stronger pain killer.
