I thank God that He gave his grace to me. About this time 22 years ago I was praying to God to help me get sober. He answered that call on the 13th April 1988, by asking my sponsor to phone me. The sober one called the sick one, like Bill called Bob. To all of you in AA I owe a debt of gratitude, whoever you may be- new or old ; drunk or sober. I have paid in the only currency I know- service. Thanks.
Hello Gonee, and welcome to the board. I was attending meetings when you came in but didn't "get it" until a year later. Stick around we have a lot of newbies coming in here and just reading every day that can benefit from your experience, strength, and hope.
And Welcome to the MIP family. South Africa sounds so intriguing....
We share the awe of the "unwarrented" GRACE of GOD, the Gifts that were freely given to us...to be sober, to be free, and to have the gift itself of giving it back to our brothers and sisters that suffer the disease that we knew well.
Do not know if you have ever even heard of a Book, called "The Road Less Traveled" author, the late Scott Peck, MD.
(It was on the New York's Best Sellers List for about 6 years.)in the 80-90s.
My point to this Gonee, is that he wrote a complete chapter on the subject. ....calling the Chapter, if I recall "On Grace" A truly inspirational Read.
Hi Toni, Thanks for your feedback. AA in South Africa is very warm and friendly. People are very loving here. The media only focus on nonsense. If you want to feel the heartbeat of the people go to the rural areas and of course meetings. Every meeting is an occasion here. People love each other. Our meetings can be anywhere from 10-50 members, but everyone knows everybody. I have heard of the book, but have not got round to reading it. God bless.
Aloha Gonee...that atmosphere is what it is like here also and I am glad you have come to widen the circle. You obviously have recovery to share and you are here due to direction of HP...so come follow the direction. In a short time should you not succumb you will celebrate an anniversary. I would like to be a part of that...it is what has helped the lantern in front of my own recovery.
Welcome Gonee. As a newcomer to recovery and the forum I am especially hopefull you will share your experience and knowledge for staying sober all of 22 years.
Just a correction. 1st AA meeting on the 13th April 1988. Relapsed after 2 weeks. Re-entry on the 19th August 1988. Sober since then. Will be 22 years sober, come August by the grace of God.
That's cool. My re-entry on the 19th August 1988 is my parent's anniversary. Didn't know that when I crawled back in to the meeting. You are special Dean. God bless. Gonee.
It's good to see another of us in the 20's of sobriety. One day at a time, forging strong links in the chain of sobriety 24 hours at a time, is what worked for me and I'm sure for the rest of you, too.
