Recently at my home group in a literature discussion meeting, the chair chose to read from page 95 in the chapter, Working With Others, and started with the first paragraph…

“PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as ­intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.”

They read the second paragraph as well and then shared their ES&H (experience, strength, & hope) on the topic. As they and others were sharing… something kept rolling around inside my head. I remember once hearing that a man was told by his sponsor that when reciting the Third Step Prayer to ask WHY…

• God, I offer myself to Thee… WHY? ...(answer) to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
• Relieve me of the bondage of self, WHY? …(answer) that I may better do Thy will.
• Take away my difficulties, WHY? …(answer) that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
• May I do Thy will always, WHY?…(answer – because if you are anything like this alcoholic, God can run your life better than you can).

I remembered that when they read the first paragraph on Page 95 and where states that working with others will ensure immunity from drinking – I asked myself WHY?  I moved over to the top of Page 97 and found the answer….

“Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery.”

I just wanted to share that reminder for you and for me.  Helping others can be defined in a lot of ways:

• Sponsorship (giving and receiving)
• Sharing in meetings
• Service commitment at my home group
• Service commitment below the group level (district, area, intergroup, central office)
• At work
• In my personal relationships
• Being nice to the check-out person at the grocery store
• On, and on, and on….

Being of service has manifest itself in a host of ways for me.  This website is certainly one of them.  I am so grateful to each and every person who has helped me grow this website so that it too, can be of service to the still suffering alcoholic.  Thank YOU!!!!

Today’s Question: “What are you doing to be helpful to others today??”

In love and service,