Welcome to the October 2021 Jackson County and Josephine County A.A. Newsletter. Thank you for subscribing.
Please read!
Each month this newsletter reaches about 500 members of A.A. in the Rogue Valley and scattered throughout Oregon. I would like to believe that of all these members, a few of them have a story or two to share about their road to recovery and/or adventures in sobriety or an A.A.-oriented joke. Either way, I’m asking for your help. If you have a recovery story to share, a joke, a drawing, or anything A.A.-oriented, please email me at [email protected]. I really would love to hear from you.
Please read this also!
So, in my experience, I have learned that recovery in A.A. comes down to three parts: building a close relationship with God, restoring your life back in line with God’s plan and purpose, healthy, free, and sober, and being of service to others, including the still suffering alcoholic, others in the program and in our community, and our loved ones, family and friends. In this issue, we specifically remind you of the twelfth step expectation to be of service to others in A.A. and those still suffering outside the rooms. To that end, District 16 DCM, Terry C., has formulated two wonderful handbooks that are very useful in understanding the various services positions offered within A.A.. They are so well-done that A.A.’s old and new will find them very informative and helpful. Copies of these handbooks are available for the taking at Jackson County Central Office. Please stop and get several copies. Also, please refer to the attached handout illustrating different ways that you can give back to others
Furthermore, in this issue, aside from several great stories, we will read about the principles of discipline and perseverance that Step Ten calls us to live up to.
Interestingly the word “perseverance” does not appear once in either the Big Book or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. However, Step Ten is all about perseverance.
“As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten, we commence putting our A.A. way of living to practical use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Then, comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all circumstances?” (A.A. World Services, Inc., Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, “Step Ten,” p. 88.)
Getting through the “acid test” takes perseverance, steady persistence in a course of action or a purpose, despite difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. So, we push through. We have to because our lives depend on it. Please remember that through the trials, the struggles of life, and the broken road are the Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous and a way to a better life. We believe in you, even if you don’t!! So, stay the course, it works, and for God’s sake, stay sober.
Remember, friends, always to pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never ever loses faith in God.
I hope you enjoy reading the newsletter.
Sincerely, your friend,
Winslow C.
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