A report from Phuket, Thailand The moment of silence before we begin meetings here in Phuket has taken on new levels of significance since December’s tsunami. Many of us have shared as to how the principles of AA have guided our actions in attending the wounded, searching for the dead, and helping to rebuild theContinue reading “In the Wake of the Wave – Grapevine Article March 2005 by Chris W.”
Category Archives: Surrender
Complete Security? – As Bill Sees It #112
Upon entering A.A., the spectacle of years of waste threw us into panic. Financial importance was no longer our principal aim; we now clamored for material security. Even when we re-established in our business, terrible fears often continued to haunt us. This made us misers and penny-pinchers all over again. Complete financial security we mustContinue reading “Complete Security? – As Bill Sees It #112”
Confessions Of a Reluctant Newcomer – Grapevine Article March 2003 by W.B.
He didn’t know that AA was not a spectator sport Newcomers, God love ’em, can’t be beaten with a stick. They stand up at speakers’ meetings and talk for six minutes or for fifty-six; they’re live-wires or numb as rocks; egomaniacs (like me) or doormats. They’re the lifeblood of the program; the pigeons who carryContinue reading “Confessions Of a Reluctant Newcomer – Grapevine Article March 2003 by W.B.”
Antidote For Fear – As Bill Sees It #196
When our failings generate fear, we then have soul-sickness. This sickness, in turn, generates still more character defects. Unreasonable fear that our instincts will not be satisfied drives us to covet the possessions of others, to lust for sex and power, to become angry when our instinctive demands are threatened, to be envious when theContinue reading “Antidote For Fear – As Bill Sees It #196”
Putting Away Childish Things – Grapevine Article August 1985 by S.M.
AS A PRACTICING “heavy drinker, I’m no alcoholic!” I was noted for my exaggerated enthusiasm and for my temper; I laughed easily and could become angry just as quickly. I suppose it was a matter of swinging between exhilaration and depression; there was an attitude of contempt for whatever was “moderate.” “All or nothing atContinue reading “Putting Away Childish Things – Grapevine Article August 1985 by S.M.”
Billy’s Death – Practicing These Principles Reflection by Ray A.
News arrived yesterday of Billy’s death. He was just a boy when I met him, probably around ten. Raised with two other siblings in a loving middle-class suburban home, he would grow up to be what most people would consider a successful young man, marrying and starting a lucrative career in a major city’s financialContinue reading “Billy’s Death – Practicing These Principles Reflection by Ray A.”
The Serenity Prayer – Grapevine Article January 1950
…it’s origins are traced… AT long last the mystery of the Serenity Prayer has been solved! We have learned who wrote it, when it was written and how it came to the attention of the early members of AA. We have learned, too, how it was originally written, a bit of information which should layContinue reading “The Serenity Prayer – Grapevine Article January 1950”
The Great Fact – As Bill Sees It #331
We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order.But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got.Continue reading “The Great Fact – As Bill Sees It #331”
Surrender – Grapevine Article June 1974 by T.C.
Some paradoxes in the AA way of life By not hiding my defects, I find them hidden,and by revealing my faults, I see them dissolved. In losing face, I get grace,and the way up is down. In making amends, I am amended,and in dispensing right, right comes to me. By giving it away, I keepContinue reading “Surrender – Grapevine Article June 1974 by T.C.”
Rebel Without A Cause – Grapevine Article October 2009 by Ray A.
My parents abandoned me while I was still a baby, after my father put a bullet in my mother’s back. Raised by older relatives who were illiterate and very poor, and never feeling accepted by my foster father, I grew up with a sense of insecurity, fear and, at times, shame. I was 10 whenContinue reading “Rebel Without A Cause – Grapevine Article October 2009 by Ray A.”