In spite of the great increase in the size and the span of this Fellowship,
at its core it remains simple and personal.
Each day, somewhere in the world, recovery begins
when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic,
sharing experience, strength, and hope.
Alcoholics Anonymous, p. xxii
We are so lucky today, we have a purpose. We don’t have to “figure it out” anymore. Our primary purpose is to say sober and help another alcoholic. It is as simple as that. As our lives get better, some decide to help in other ways; save the rain forest, save the polar bears, get involved in church, etc. Don’t get me wrong, all of these do need saving, but we have to be careful, we can’t veer to far from our path.
Late last year I had an urge to do something to help the homeless where there is a huge need and lots of options. I could feed the homeless, volunteer to do something with children, or I could just help in an office. I thought of my primary purpose, there are plenty of alcoholic homeless people, I have to be sure to work with that population. I ended up bringing a big book study to Sally’s House in Houston, a long term treatment center for indigent women. It was one of the biggest gifts of my recovery.
My life has since changed dramatically and I have passed it on to another La Ha alum. However, I will never forget those women and the lesson that I can follow my heart and maintain the integrity of my purpose.
(photo via)
