I was travelling and caught a meeting. It was in a church hall. The topic was Higher Power and one of the fellows announced, βMy Higher Power is the guys in this room.β
I looked around; it was a large men’s meeting. There were a variety of alcoholic types. There were several criminals, men who had done time for one thing or another, a couple of tough-looking bikers, and one fellow who looked mildly disoriented and potentially crazy. These contrasted with a few well-dressed fellows who looked like, bankers, lawyers or real estate brokers. Then a smattering of retired fellows in various stages of repair.
Quite a mix of appearances. And if appearances were any indication, this Higher Power sounded confused.
As the shares went around the room, I listened carefully, perhaps because I was listening to my Higher Power.
The voices were different and the messages were varied. The shares reflected the variety of men in the room. Different language and different tones from each of the men. Some gruff and rough, some smooth as silk. As I listened, I realized that putting all the voices together was not confusing; it was harmonious.
Though each spoke from a different experience and station in life. Though different backgrounds and circumstances were represented. Together they spoke of a common problem, addiction. And they spoke about a common solution, the 12 Steps.
The fellows who had done time talked about the freedom they experienced in their release from addiction following the AA Program of action. The bikers talked about their improved relationships and insights into their feelings and emotions that arose from practicing the Steps. The crazy guy talked about the love he experienced in the Fellowship when he came to meetings. The respectable types mainly complained about life, which was deeply ironic, but after the complaints, they admitted that life sober was much better with the 12 Steps of the Program.
I knew the first guy was right. Anyone could look at the guys in that room as a Higher Power.
DOUG A MCGILLIVRAY says
I learned early to look for the similarities and not the differences. it is there that i have found my peace.
Andy C says
this is a great truth Doug, thanks for making that point
Teresa Copithorne says
Thank you Andy!
Our Higher Power, mine and yours comes from God but most times I canβt hear his instructions, in those cases He speaks to me through my β tribe β of friends and family. Just like your meeting I get different takes in life problems and that helps me see where I stand and how I should behave.
I enjoy your short but pointed lessons very much, thank you!
Andy C says
What a great thought Teresa, thanks.
Michael OMalley says
I was told the following:
The principle involved in Step 1 is Honesty
The principle involved in Step 2 is the ability to have an Open Mind.
The principle involved in Step 3 is Faith
The co-founder- Dr.Bob provided a 2 word summary of these first 3 steps = ‘Trust God”.
After greater than 10,000 days of uninterrupted abstinence from my Drugs of Compulsion I must admit that my ego needed to hear the Step version repeatedly .This repetition is still needed … to overcome my agnostic temperament which can return at the drop of a hat.
Andy C says
π