When I came into AA some 22 years ago, many people at scoffed at the program. I used to get very discouraged, but my AA friends always asked me to stick around long enough for me to understand the AA 12 steps. I trudged along and ignored the ignorant people on the outside. Many wanted and needed what I had received from AA but were too proud to make a decision. They tried the easier softer ways. I had to bury one such person today. It was very sad. This once proud person had been reduced to nothing. That could have so easily been me. AA together with it's collective sponsorship and vast experience had broken my ego down, so that I could understand the nature of this terrible disease and subsequently embark on it's program of recovery. My gratitude to each and every one of you in recovery, is for the humility you have. That somehow induces in proud people like me, to be like you, and emulate your gift of humility. That is why the BB pg59 says that if you want what we have and are willing to go to any lengths to get it, then you are ready to take certain steps.
I was one of those people, that was constitutionaly incapable of being honest. It was only after many relapses, subsequent new starts to sobriety and receiving the gifts of desperation and willingness, that I was able to see reality that my ego was hidding from me.
Thanks, Gonee. I need to be reminded of humility on a daily basis. If I remain humble, I remain teachable and can continue to grow and get along with my peers. Without humility there's no growth and communication with others is nil. All to familiar to the road I was on prior to this journey.
