STEP Four Musings in COVID
Every time I read through Step Four in the 12 &12 at a meeting, I kinda wind up thinking: “Oh, I could have done the last inventory better.” Deciphering the sidebar notes I scribble on the side — the counsel
“Deep” Thought for Today
Gifts
One of the gifts that keeps on giving in this pandemic is The Grapevine. Its authors in the current and past issues make me feel like I am at a friendly speakers meeting. I can take what I need, and
Holy Ground
Years ago, a contemporary hymn described a sensation I surely had in a recent meeting — that of standing on holy ground — being aware of power greater than I am was making Himself available to hurting souls. I felt
The Timeliness of Tradition Ten
The Timeliness of Tradition Ten In the craziness of the fall out from COVID and politics, the timeliness of Tradition Ten smacked me upside the head! Understanding the traditions upon which AA rests may not seem to be the best
The Best and Scariest Thing About a Mirror
Look in the mirror, an AA used to say, if you want to know what your problems are. The best thing about a mirror is seeing yourself as you are, and that can be the scariest thing, too! Step Six
First In-Person Meeting
The Last In-Person Meeting I attended my first in-person meeting since February 21, 2020. Someone there made a serendipitous observation, given all that soon happened. I can’t think my way through trouble; I have to live through trouble and learn to
A Dubious Equality
It’s a dubious equality that women now drink as much as men. One, because women aren’t as often drinking for pleasure. Many drink just to cope. Two, because alcohol-related illnesses catch up with women more quickly than men. For nearly
I Could Have Said I am Fine
I could have said, “I’m fine.” But when my friend called me back and asked how I was doing going into the 29th week of the COVID-19 pandemic, I said “Well, I’m sober.” “I am too,” she said. We both
A Reminder from a Favorite Preacher
I heard a favorite preacher say don’t let reality limit you. (Dr. Tony Evans) Don’t deny reality; just don’t let it limit you. The reality is everything has changed because of COVID-19; getting careless could invite all kinds of trouble.