Old-timers in AA are familiar with the age-old, and frankly tiresome, objection of newcomers to the concept of a Higher Power. Faced with the consequences of their alcoholic bottom, they muster the energy and space to complain about wanting nothing to do with religion or God.
We work to progress beyond this point and help them begin their recovery. I have heard and used various alternatives to God. I have suggested that their Higher Power could be: The Program, Group of Drunks (a GOD acronym), Good Orderly Direction (another GOD acronym), the Fellowship, 12-Step Meetings, or even a doorknob.
The variety of these alternatives reflects the frequency and intensity of a typical newcomer’s objections to God, religion, or the discussion of a Higher Power.
My personal favourite is to say, “Well, you can start by admitting that you are not God; you are not the greatest power in the universe!” And build on that foundation.
But at a recent AA meeting, a fellow shared a solution that I cannot wait to try out on my next newcomer.
The topic was Step Two, and the speaker referred to the phrase, “Power greater than myself.”
He said, “That Power is love. That is the Power greater than myself that can restore me to sanity.”
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
With that answer, I deal with newcomer objections. Everyone in the Fellowship loves them and wants them to succeed. Love, that universal power is greater than all of us and dissolves all problems and difficulties. There is no hint of religion, but of course, it is the core of religion.
As I say, I cannot wait to try it out.
And if the fellow does not accept it and see the wisdom of framing love as the Power greater than himself, then he can always have a doorknob as his Higher Power.
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