AA AND UHHH--RELIGION???

There is a 'saying' I have heard often that, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." Today, I am the student.

This morning at 7 AM meeting i noticed a very young 'new' girl reading writing notes in , and underlining portions of lines in her Big Book. Later, I wondered why she had not 'listened' instead of 'multi-tasked' during the meeting. She showed me the page she was working. It was in the Appendix page 572, titled "THE RELIGIOUS VIEW ON A.A."

Funny thing (not!)--I have read the Big Book many times (hundreds?), and must have seen that page, but it was like brand new to me this morning. And a girl, age 20, sober 60 days, is 'teaching' me about AA and religion. It became evident that she loves many of the things I have loved for years, the Latin mass, chanting of monks (or anyone), golden statues of the Twelve Apostles adorning the facade of Ave Maria's huge cathedral-like Oratory.

And already at such a young 'sober' age, she is loving AA as I do, maybe with even more fervor, due to youthful enthusiasm.

My 'New View' of the last pages of the Big Book is my blog topic tonight, as copied from our BB. I read this carefully this morning, and again later today. I think, how much more it means to me now--than if I had read it 30 years ago, or 30 DAYS ago. I share this with you now:

"THE RELIGIOUS VIEW ON A.A."

Clergymen of practically every denomination have given A.A. their blessing.

Edward Dowling, S.J.,* of the Queen’s Work staff, says, “Alcoholics Anonymous is natural; it is natural at the point where nature comes closest to the supernatural, namely in humiliations and in consequent humility. There is something spiritual about an art museum or a symphony, and the Catholic Church approves of our use of them. There is something spiritual about A.A. too, and Catholic participation in it almost invariably results in poor Catholics becoming better Catholics.”

The Episcopal magazine, The Living Church, observes editorially: "...The A.A. plan is described by the members themselves as ‘self-insurance.’ This self-insurance has resulted in the restoration of physical, mental and spiritual health and self-respect to hundreds of men and women who would be hopelessly down and out without its unique but effective therapy.”

* Father Ed, an early and wonderful friend of A.A., died in the spring of 1960.

Steve's note: Fr Ed Dowling was Bill W's spiritual advisor for many years.

See ya all tomorrow, as we stay sober with one another's help!

PEACE.
LOVE.
from Steve

There is still hope for all of us and me, too!