We do a disservice by telling newcomers to "go read page 51" or any page in the big book. While it is well intentioned to find solace in a paragraph and think Nancy & Joe will see the same light, it's short sighted and will probably leave you wondering why they can't get it.
They can't get it because of a very powerful thing called self-realization. In my opinion those of us that have sobriety, this whole experience "happened to us" and it wasn't necessarily something we had to work for. If you came to me while I was still thinking about or actively drinking and told me to read a page in a book that would help me stop drinking....
Never happen. I had to reach, taste and touch that bottom on my own. I have witnessed so many people trying hard to grasp the program only to fall on their face. AA is the only thing that has helped me drop enough of the walls I've built over my lifetime to allow some of God's grace in. There is far too much over-reaching in todays mentalities.
My sponsor had this attitude of leaving the tools on a plate and it was up to me to choose if I apply them. For that I am eternally grateful.
....I had to reach, taste and touch that bottom on my own. I have witnessed so many people trying hard to grasp the program only to fall on their face...
I think you are 100% right. The importance of reaching bottom was written about frequently by Bill W. and others -- AFTER Alcoholics Anonymous was published. It wasn't in the BB. Still isn't.
Desperation can be a powerful motivator. And hitting bottom will usually make one quite desperate.
