"Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."
Plain and simple - A. A. exists to help people to recover from alcoholism. We in recovery do not exist to loan money, bail others out of jail, secure transportation, or provide shelter. We do not feed or clothe people.
Many of these needs are met, most by sober alcoholics, but it is not under the A. A. banner.
When I sobered up, I was as destitute as a person could be. I was sleeping on the floor of a church, without a job, and twenty pounds underweight.
Members of the A. A. group where I made meetings were concerned about my resolve to become sober. My needs were met, but there was little else. I was six months dry when I became the janitor of that group. From there I got my first sober job and the rest is history.
Had these people handed me everything that I wanted; I would have never gotten sober. I firmly believe that the cement which helped me to build a good foundation in sobriety was the struggle.
The members of the group were behind me, but it was my willingness to listen to what they were telling me and apply it, that allowed me to get sober. There was blood, sweat, and emotional equity invested on myself and sobriety.
These members of A. A. passed on to me the gift of learning how to live life on life's terms without having to drink about it. I was given tool to use in my daily journey. In that giving they strengthened their own sobriety. In kind, sharing my experience, strength, and hope, with others in the group, I must pass along to the suffering alcoholics what I have received in order to keep it.
Tradition Six
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