Went to a meeting last night, the speaker mentioned the above phrase as he spoke about working with others. It is truly amazing how God always puts someone in my path who tells me exactly what I need to hear....it's been happening for so long!
I really don't let much bother me, but I must admit the week or so I have been a little disturbed.
Just learned that 2 sponcees, one with 2.5 yrs and another with 5 mos, are back out self destructing. The worst part is the emails from a wife, the collateral damage of the innocent is the worst.
I feel really grateful that a sponcee and great friend 11 yrs sober, has moved back from TX, and for all the other miracles in my life who are doing well, one day at a time.
Thanks for listening
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
You're so right Rob. I can carry the message but I can't carry the drunk. It's that simple. It doesn't keep me from carrying this message to the next suffering alcoholic though -like we should, but it can cause us some grief. I hope your sponcees have a safe return home, and are finally able to arrest this disease, one day at a time.
Profound words, Rob. Afterall alcoholics of our type seem to be beyond human aid "Probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism" and unfortunately no human power includes sober members of Alcoholics Anonymous. But accepting this fact is often the best way to help someone. The book is emphatic that we are not in the business of converting the unwilling to our way of thinking. If a person wants to drink, fine, that's their business and we let them go to it. To be too pushy could spoil a later opportunity, and perhaps there is someone more willing who needs our help. And all we want is to be helpful.
It seems to be a sad fact that some alcoholics never seem to get it and I just have to accept that God has his reasons I guess. But the statement in the foreword to the second edition relating to recovery rates back then still rings true to me. Of the people that come to AA and really try (meaning they actually take the steps not just do a few meetings) 50% recovered immediately, and another 25% recovered after some relapses. many of the others showed improvement.
Thanks for sharing that Rob. It's always disheartening when a sponsee wants to do some testing, especially when they show promise of being able to help others. You and I got sober around the same time and age man, and even after thousands of meetings and faces going in and out, it still doesn't make it any easier does it..
Hey, congrats on the 11 yearer coming back though, that's got to be somewhat rewarding.
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"Never make someone a priority who makes you an option"
Recovery and service can be a tough business at times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. The "gut-check" days and putting the tools in action and opportunities to grow in character and faith.
The experience and wisdom here on this board never ceases to amaze me!
Rob
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
