Bobby L.
11-26-2003, 06:33 PM
Here's something I read a few days ago...
"If he thinks he can do the job in some other way, or prefers some other
spiritual approach, encourage him to follow his own conscience. We have no
monopoly on God; we merely have an approach that worked with us. But point
out that we alcoholics have much in common and that you would like, in any
case, to be friendly. Let it go at that."
That's from page 95 in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" in the chapter about
working with others (alcoholics).
It's peculiar that I have read that at least a dozen times, yet when I read
it this time it seemed more significant than before. Perhaps it was from
being here or perhaps it was from recent experiences with other alcoholics
with whom I have been working. Either reason seems plausible.
As I have told others before today, AA is not the only way and by no means
does this group of nameless alcoholics have the "corner" on sobriety. This
is just a way that worked for us. So whatever you need to do is okay. If
you're here to get sober or at least try -- keep working whatever is
working. If it's not working, then try something else.
I draw the line at tolerating others "acting out" and behavior that is just
completely off the chart should not be tolerated. If you stick your head in
the lion's mouth, I will be one of those who stands back and laughs -- No, I
will not be trying to help you extricate yourself. I may even invite others
over to watch. I will also be one of those who tells you how stupid it was.
No extra points are awarded for stupidity. How can I be like this you ask?
Well ... it worked for me. If you're just here to be an asshole, or if
you're not sure why you're here and you just cannot help but be an asshole,
well .....
let me show this lion over here.
Bobby L
"If he thinks he can do the job in some other way, or prefers some other
spiritual approach, encourage him to follow his own conscience. We have no
monopoly on God; we merely have an approach that worked with us. But point
out that we alcoholics have much in common and that you would like, in any
case, to be friendly. Let it go at that."
That's from page 95 in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" in the chapter about
working with others (alcoholics).
It's peculiar that I have read that at least a dozen times, yet when I read
it this time it seemed more significant than before. Perhaps it was from
being here or perhaps it was from recent experiences with other alcoholics
with whom I have been working. Either reason seems plausible.
As I have told others before today, AA is not the only way and by no means
does this group of nameless alcoholics have the "corner" on sobriety. This
is just a way that worked for us. So whatever you need to do is okay. If
you're here to get sober or at least try -- keep working whatever is
working. If it's not working, then try something else.
I draw the line at tolerating others "acting out" and behavior that is just
completely off the chart should not be tolerated. If you stick your head in
the lion's mouth, I will be one of those who stands back and laughs -- No, I
will not be trying to help you extricate yourself. I may even invite others
over to watch. I will also be one of those who tells you how stupid it was.
No extra points are awarded for stupidity. How can I be like this you ask?
Well ... it worked for me. If you're just here to be an asshole, or if
you're not sure why you're here and you just cannot help but be an asshole,
well .....
let me show this lion over here.
Bobby L