recovering

[recoveringfaith]

I'm a recovering alcoholic, and I attend AA meetings from time to time. Glad to find a group of recovering Christians here.

 

[madison1101]

Welcome. I learned from experience that my attendance and participation at AA needed to be regular and I needed to get involved in Stepwork and Service. I hope you are also participating at that level.

God bless.

 

[BobW188]

Glad you joined us. Things are pretty quiet right now; but at times it's a lot like a meeting around here.

 

[recoveringfaith]

I'm not a daily meeting attender, but I attend often enough for my own comfort level, and I do what I need to do to stay sober, which for me involves talking to another alcoholic everyday, and I pray. I have a temporary sponsor, but I don't really know if I click with her yet.

 

[madison1101]

I'm not a daily meeting attender, but I attend often enough for my own comfort level, and I do what I need to do to stay sober, which for me involves talking to another alcoholic everyday, and I pray. I have a temporary sponsor, but I don't really know if I click with her yet.

I am not a daily meeting attender, but I do have a home group, and I am involved in service at that group regularly. What step are you working on? The steps are the program of AA. Meetings, sponsors and talking to other alcoholics are all tools, but the steps are where the recovery happens.

 

[recoveringfaith]

Haven't started step work yet w/ my sponsor because she's a temp sponsor and I only met her a few days ago. I understand how the program works.

 

[BobW188]

Well, if you are in AA already and have committed to the extent of even a temporary sponsor, you've probably made at least a start on Steps## 1 & 2.

One thing it might help you to know: You're already helping others! Even those with decades of sobriety need to be reminded what those early days were like. Twenty five years can seem like twenty five days. It helps to remember when twenty five days seemed like twenty five years.

 

[recoveringfaith]

Thanks Bob, that means a lot. I think I do steps 1-3 on a daily basis. It's definitely too early to start a 4th step. My sponsor & I will know when it's time.

 

[recoveringfaith]

ps I love your hat.

 

[hotsauce5000]

welcome aboard!

hope you enjoy your stay, learn some, stay sober.

 

[recoveringfaith]

Thanks!

 

[Hupomone10]

Welcome. May you get the encouragement you need here. A fellow believer, and recovering alcoholic. Severe type, according to my first sponsor.

Don't wait too long on the 4th step.

[FONT=&quot]"This (the 3rd Step) was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once. Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us.” (BB p63-64, 4th edition.[/FONT])

 

[madison1101]

Welcome. May you get the encouragement you need here. A fellow believer, and recovering alcoholic. Severe type, according to my first sponsor.

Don't wait too long on the 4th step.

[FONT=&quot]"This (the 3rd Step) was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once. Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us.” (BB p63-64, 4th edition.[/FONT])

Excellent suggestion. There should be no hesitancy!

 

[recoveringfaith]

Actually, from what I've heard from many long-timers in the program, you do not want to just dive into a 4th step. They are in order for a reason, and steps 1-3 need to be focused on before the 4th step. Furthermore, everyone goes through the steps at a different pace than others, and therefore it is at the discretion of the SPONSOR when to move forward. The 12 steps aren't a race. They are a process. I'm not even 2 months sober and I have complete strangers here telling me to dive into a 4th step. I'm pretty sure that is up to me and my sponsor. Back off, please.

 

[Hupomone10]

Actually, from what I've heard from many long-timers in the program, you do not want to just dive into a 4th step. They are in order for a reason, and steps 1-3 need to be focused on before the 4th step. Furthermore, everyone goes through the steps at a different pace than others, and therefore it is at the discretion of the SPONSOR when to move forward. The 12 steps aren't a race. They are a process. I'm not even 2 months sober and I have complete strangers here telling me to dive into a 4th step. I'm pretty sure that is up to me and my sponsor. Back off, please.

If you want the program the way the Old Timers did it, back when they had 75% success rate, do it the way the Big Book says. That's why I mentioned that quote, not to offend, but to help.

Since this is a Christian forum, I feel free to mention this. You know that God never asks us to put off confession of our faults and cleaning house for some more opportune time. I saw a lot of procrastination hurt people in the rooms. I hope you don't get offended at this; if you're so easily offended, that's going to hurt you in recovery.

Other than that, do as you feel led, and see how it works out for you.
One of the main problems with us alcoholics (and I'm sure your sponsor will confirm this) is our own stinkin thinkin.

God bless.
H.

 

[recoveringfaith]

I just get a general sense of pushiness in this particular that I have never encountered at face to face meetings. In addition, I'm on several recovery forums, and no one has acted pushy there, either. Anyone I've ever talked to in AA understands that you do not rush the steps. They are in order for a reason.

I have read the BB from cover to cover, and yes I understand the necessity for a 4th step; however, I do not think that steps 1-3 should be rushed through just so one can start a 4th step. Nowhere in the BB does it say, "Complete all 12 steps as fast as you can!" Again, this is why it is between sponsor and sponsee. If the 4th step should be done first, it would be called the first step. Encouraging anyone to take a 4th step before letting 1-3 sink in is dangerous.

 

[BobW188]

Right. You don't do them "as fast as you can." The result is the same as any rushed work. Let your sponsor be your guide; but do follow her. The 4th Step is easy to put off; because we know it will be painful.

Slow down, folks. The young lady's only been here a week or two.

 

[madison1101]

Right. You don't do them "as fast as you can." The result is the same as any rushed work. Let your sponsor be your guide; but do follow her. The 4th Step is easy to put off; because we know it will be painful.

Slow down, folks. The young lady's only been here a week or two.

Bob is right about giving Recovering Faith room to breath. I would suggest nailing down the first three steps with your sponsor soon. I was surprised to learn that the Founding Fathers did the first three steps in a matter of a day or two.

 

[recoveringfaith]

Sorry if I overreacted. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed. I do know that all of you have good intentions.