Thursday, July 27, 2006
A.A.: There is a Solution: A Design for Living
"... 'a design for living' that really works."
"We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by which faith can be acquired."
"Those having religious affiliations will find here nothing disturbing to their beliefs or ceremonies."
"We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals."
Alcoholics Anonymous
There is a Solution
Page 28
Alcoholics Anonymous is simply not a religious program. It is, however, a faith-based program. But, it does not tell (or require) anyone to find or practice faith in any particular manner. It merely asks us to be open to the idea that the solution to our drinking problems rests with a Power greater than ourselves.
After years of failed attempts of trying to cut back or control my drinking and the desparation of living that way, it was only through being open to the idea that, if there was a solution, it might not be through my own efforts -- it might be something better or different than my own abilities. That simple notion was the spark of faith that ignited my recovery.
Once I became willing to look outside myself for answers, I found plenty of people who were not only ready to help, but they seemed to know how to. These people were just like me, but they didn't drink any more. They understood my fears and what I was going through. They did not judge or even pry. They accepted me for me and offered an alternative approach -- a design for living that has made all the difference.
You don't have to believe in God or a Higher Power, it's a start to just believe that I do.
Get the latest edition of:
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA Services
aa addiction alcoholism recovery sponsornet substance abuse
"We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by which faith can be acquired."
"Those having religious affiliations will find here nothing disturbing to their beliefs or ceremonies."
"We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals."
Alcoholics Anonymous
There is a Solution
Page 28
Alcoholics Anonymous is simply not a religious program. It is, however, a faith-based program. But, it does not tell (or require) anyone to find or practice faith in any particular manner. It merely asks us to be open to the idea that the solution to our drinking problems rests with a Power greater than ourselves.
After years of failed attempts of trying to cut back or control my drinking and the desparation of living that way, it was only through being open to the idea that, if there was a solution, it might not be through my own efforts -- it might be something better or different than my own abilities. That simple notion was the spark of faith that ignited my recovery.
Once I became willing to look outside myself for answers, I found plenty of people who were not only ready to help, but they seemed to know how to. These people were just like me, but they didn't drink any more. They understood my fears and what I was going through. They did not judge or even pry. They accepted me for me and offered an alternative approach -- a design for living that has made all the difference.
You don't have to believe in God or a Higher Power, it's a start to just believe that I do.
Get the latest edition of:
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA Services
aa addiction alcoholism recovery sponsornet substance abuse
# posted by Bill B. @ 9:21 AM 
