FOREWORD TO THE SECOND EDITION 4
18/02/2023
FOREWORD TO THE SECOND EDITION 4
18/02/2023
FOREWORD TO THE SECOND EDITION
Paragraph 4 of 19
The spark that was to flare into the first A.A. group was struck at Akron, Ohio, in June 1935, during a talk between a New York stockbroker and an Akron physician. Six months earlier, the broker had been relieved of his drink obsession by a sudden spiritual experience, following a meeting with an alcoholic friend who had been in contact with the Oxford Groups of that day. He had also been greatly helped by the late Dr. William D. Silkworth, a New York specialist in alcoholism who is now accounted no less than a medical saint by A.A. members, and whose story of the early days of our Society appears in the next pages. From this doctor, the broker had learned the grave nature of alcoholism. Though he could not accept all the tenets of the Oxford Groups, he was convinced of the need for moral inventory, confession of personality defects, restitution to those harmed, helpfulness to others, and the necessity of belief in and dependence upon God.
Kira's Comment:
Bill took a litte bit of everything he learned, compiled it together, talked with others and came out with a series of suggestions to do the impossible - save our own lives.
When I was at my bottom, it was hard for me to care about learning. I didn't want to better myself, I didn't see the point. I felt too broken to be fixed. As I climb the stairs one step at a time I am reminded that it's OK to go up the stairs then jump back down to live on a different step for the day. I'm not simply climbing on to die, I'm here to enjoy the adventure.
Today I choose to have gratitude for the way information moves in 2023. I have access to the internet, endless viewpoints, libraries and communities right in my hand. Imagine for a moment what finding and sharing information was like for Bill in the 1930s.
Join us for a discussion on this paragraph! Please do your best to keep our share focused on the solution as it pertains to living a sober life using the tools found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you have significant life problems, or situations that you would like advice on it may be best to seek private support from persons you know directly.
A Paragraph A Day
Sometimes Quickly, Sometimes Slowly
We will continue on with a new paragraph each day. To continue the study on your own, here's a link to read a PDF version of the complete chapter.
Jump to a previous paragraph.
The Alcoholics Anonymous Book, also known as The Big Book of AA, has come to be known as a basic text for life. Many people have read the messages in this book, discussed them with other like minded individuals, and put the suggestions to use in their own lives. On this site we will walk through the Big Book together. One paragraph at a time, every day until we have completed the book. This will give us time to read, and learn and practice these principles in all of our affairs.
*Smart Choices CommuniTEA, our website, team and users are in no way affiliated with the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are simply here to read and discuss the solutions of a new way of living as discussed in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. All passages from the book are directly copied, never edited. All comments around the passage are simply the opinions of the person who wrote them.*
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If you or someone you know might have a problem with Alcohol or any other substances, we strongly encourage you to reach out to one of the many FREE resources available. To learn more about the program of Alcoholics Anonymous that accompanies the book we are discussing please visit their website to learn more and find AA near you.