So, tonight I made the decision to stop talking at meetings for a while and do what the old timers say to do-listen. After 2 meetings of listening I was asked to be a speaker at a super enormous meeting next week. I am completely stunned by my higher power's plan here. I just can't believe I am ready for this, but I can't say no, right? I'll let you all know how it goes. Wow.
-- Edited by Chaya on Saturday 8th of June 2013 03:14:16 AM
That was a big step for me ... my first 'speaker meeting' ... ... ... where I was the speaker, WOW indeed ... ... ... was I nervous, hell yes ... but what helped me the most was to pray that the words coming out of my mouth be those that others needed to hear, that God would use me as a vessel to communicate His/Her message to others ... this really did take the pressure off me and I was able to get through about 45 minutes with what others seemed to appreciate, a lot ...
I spent the first few minutes on the first step, explaining how I had come to know, without a doubt, that I was an alcoholic ... to make it interesting, I took my shenanigans and put them into a Jeff Foxworthy format ... you know? ... "You might be an alcoholic IF .... ... ... " (sharing a few of my most embarrassing moments)
That put me at ease to start with and everybody got a few laughs ... then of course it's only a matter of sharing 'what happened' and 'what it's like now' ...
Let us know what day you speak and our prayers will be with you ... I'm sure you'll do great, as long as you're a real alcoholic and practicing the steps, ... LOL ... Total Honesty here!!!
Love you and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
that is great news, Chaya! even if you get nervous, your honesty will show through. not sure if you need any advice, but i make a list of keywords to remind me what i wanted to share, in case i go blank, which still happens to me occasionally. then ending with how my life is now, how my HP and the steps brought me here today. my life keeps improving because of lessons and personal growth through God's love and my desire to do His will. keep up the great work, looking forward to your share.
That's really good Chaya. A great chance to help others. Like Pappy, I find it very helpful to ask God to speak through me in the hope that I may say something that will help someone else. I am sure it will go very well:)
The common wisdom is whenever we are asked to do something in AA we need to do it if at all possible. The question about speaking at a meeting would be between you and your sponsor.
Most places I have lived suggest about 1 year of recovery first, but everyplace is different. The good thing about telling your story is that people will feel like they know you better and of course your ESH can help others.
Of course we tell our story and qualify ourselves as alcoholics, but I think it is also just as important to talk about what we do to stay sober and how your life has changed in sobriety.
Maybe you can post a link to the recording afterwards for your friends her at MIP
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
