A Dozen Steps

The ABC’s

by Mark on May 22nd, 2006

From “How It Works” pg. 60;

“Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas:

a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.

b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.

c) That God could and would if He were sought.”

So, a few of us were having a typical after meeting discussion yesterday, during which we were taking many inventories other than our own, and came up with a few thoughts about people who sponsor “lots” of sponsees.

My sponsor taught me, in no uncertain terms, that I ought not sponsor more than three people at one time. He said my ego couldn’t stand it. Now, it irritates the daylights out of my ego when I see others running around sponsoring dozens (if not more) folks. Big shots. Ego feeding proposition. While that little voice inside of me sub-consciously says “How come they’re better than you?”

So, my friends, why, oh why, does it seem that certain humans are different and “probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism” just doesn’t apply to them? Why is it that it appears that very specific “gurus,” you know, those 12 year types, have been given the magic wand that I wanted so badly when I was a newcomer? Heck, they even drag their 4 and 5 year old pigeons into the same mindset employing them in the name of sobriety to conduct personalized Big Book and 12 Step study groups outside the normal context of meeting times, in their personal homes or offices, inviting only the “chosen” few to attend? What’s that all about?

A Sober, Clean Day To All,

Mark

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POSTED IN: Courage To Change, Sponsors, The Third Step