Daily Reflections reading
February 27th
A Unique Stability
Where
does A.A. get its direction? . . . These practical folk then read Tradition
Two, and learn that the sole authority in A.A. is a loving God as He may
express Himself in the group conscience. . . The elder statesman is the one who
sees the wisdom of the group’s decision, who holds no resentment over his
reduced status, whose judgment, fortified by considerable experience, is sound,
and who is willing to sit quietly on the sidelines patiently awaiting developments.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS,
pp. 132, 135
Into the fabric of recovery from
alcoholism are woven the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions. As my recovery
progressed, I realized that the new mantle was tailor made for me. The elders
of the group gently offered suggestions when change seemed impossible.
Everyone’s shared experiences became the substance for treasured friendships. I
know that the Fellowship is ready and equipped to aid each suffering alcoholic
at all crossroads in life. In a world beset by many problems, I find this
assurance a unique stability. I cherish the gift of sobriety. I offer my
gratitude for the strength I receive in a Fellowship that truly exists for the
good of all members.
© Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services
My thoughts on February 27th Reading
In 12 step groups there is no such thing as individual authority, no one member directs or controls the actions of the other members of the group. There is but one ultimate authority a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience.
Our leaders are but trusted servants they do not govern, group decisions are just that group decisions. After a discussion of all aspects of a given situation including the minority opinion
The group votes on the issue and an agreement is reached with the majority vote, this vote is called a "group conscience." each group is a fellowship of equals No matter what an individual member's background, education, or professional expertise
No member has authority "over" the group. In this way, the
fellowship reaches out to all who would seek its comfort and provides the
atmosphere of a sense of "belonging" to all members, there are
leaders this tradition has been misquoted many times as, "we have no
leaders." But it clearly states that each group does have its leaders
They just have no
authority over the rest of the group, whether they are the group's leaders they
have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve the group, not make
decisions for it, groups clearly have other leaders
There are those,
who by sharing their wisdom and strength in the meetings, who are quietly
recognized by the group as "spiritual leaders." There are those
members, who are so well founded in the principles and traditions of the
program
The group turns to
them when questions arise involving possible violations of those principles and
traditions these too are leaders, but they also do not govern, I now know that
just by being a member and showing up and participating
I am just as much
a part of the group as the oldest "old-timer," some times we see long
timers dealing with righteous Indignation over what is going on and they feel
the group is doomed because it took a path not to their liking
This is only fear of change and when fear is
in control fight or flight is their options thank God action talks louder than
fear, or any other emotion, If confronted emotion reveals itself as a mouse
rather than a lion a mouse whose terrifying roar is really a squeak held up to
a microphone
Worry over things can consume them, this is
caused by the way some react to a group conscience meeting, trying to solve all
problems and make all decisions at once, all the events can be overwhelming
fears, sorrows, anger, over the loss of control of the group
Like they ever really had control over them,
we never know when resentment might come up seemingly out of nowhere, but if we
are working this program the steps take over automatically to begin dealing
with resentment, this gives the group time to look to God for answers
Yes the long timer is in trouble when he tries
to control, rather than be an elder statesman sharing his experience with the
group, even today we have many bleeding deacons who think their way is the only
way to go
And if the group
does not follow their way it will fall apart, remember what you hear at a
meeting is only the individuals experience; no one at the meeting can speak on
behalf of the entire worldwide fellowship, or indeed any of the groups God
always shows me the way when I finally ASK HIM
God bless you Al M
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