June 17, 2023 - Readings in Recovery: Step by Step

 

Step by Step
Saturday, June 17, 2023

“Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others, so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful. You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand. Keep on the firing line of life with these motives and God will keep you unharmed.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 7 (“Working With Others”), p 102.

The Program’s marching orders.

Today, how willing am I to set out with the message when called upon? Am I willing to sacrifice a quiet night at home after a rough day at work if I get a call to go to the home of someone still drinking? Am I willing to drive to the opposite end of the state to get someone admitted to a treatment center or hospital? Am I willing to pop for the check to feed someone who’s been on a days-long drunk without eating? Am I willing to shelter the homeless sufferer overnight before I can get him to a doctor? Am I willing to talk to someone still drinking and put myself in his shoes, remembering I was once where he is now? Can I listen and advise without moral judgments or scare him away with talk about a higher power? If called upon to do anything that carries the message, like subbing at the last minute for a pre-scheduled meeting speaker who didn’t show, will I step up? If any of my answers is “no,” I have let down the Program, myself and other alcoholics, and I have neglected my responsibility to sobriety. Today, let me prioritize the command to carry the message. Let me remember that I once was the one in desperate need. And our common journey continues. Step by step. — Chris M., 2023