Recently, I received the Essay containing an article which I found most helpful in understanding my own recovery from the deadly disease called lust and its main components — resentment, fear, criticism, hate, etc. “Spiritual Fornication” described very well what is happening to me in my relationships with others and how effective it is in shutting God out of my consciousness.
Whoever wrote this has come a long way in understanding what goes on deep inside our mind and soul and it shows vividly that the ego is really the culprit at the base of our disease. The AA Big Book says so and it’s only through our daily life that one can come to grips with the truth.…
It is indeed rewarding to hear a message such as the one on page one of the last Essay entitled, “I Found A God That I Could Turn My Life Over To.” That’s really the sort of sharing that shows newcomers the way out of a deadly disease.
My last comment concerns the “Suggested Guidelines for Group Recovery.” I am convinced after years in SA that emphasizing the solution instead of the problem is most helpful in leaving self-pity behind. That’s why I much prefer discussion relating to the Program as opposed to individual sharing concerning personal difficulties. Those can be dealt with through sponsors much more effectively.
If you have a list of SA members around the world who wish to exchange correspondence, I would be delighted to receive it, inasmuch as I like sharing with members isolated, loners, or persons unable physically to attend SA or AA meetings.
M.G.
I slipped for nine months after I came to this program — I was one of the founding members of our group — before I found recovery. I have a sponsor, but he is no longer in the program and cannot give me the advice I need, either for working the Steps myself or helping me to be a better sponsor to others. Regrettably, our fellowship is struggling to establish a foundation of recovery and does not have any members with long-term SA sobriety. We are practicing sponsorship, but sometimes this feels to me like the “blind leading the blind.”
However, I find current and past Essay articles provide an essential source of guidance and inspiration. It is wonderful to be able to tap the experience, strength and hope of long-term SA members, and it provides a form of sponsor advice when our own group lacks the necessary experience. The working paper, “Suggested Guidelines for Group Recovery” and the article by Bill W. on “Leadership in AA: Ever a Vital Need” in the last issue were a God-send. Sexaholics Anonymous has given us hope of true recovery. The Essay newsletter and the working papers, in conjunction with the approved SA literature and conference tapes, give us detailed advice to realize that hope.
S.M., Australia
I can identify with the [Essay] stories and they give me the feeling that there’s hope for me.
R.C.
The continued hope, strength and recovery found in the Essay helps to keep me sober and abstinent today. God bless you.
S.L.
Informative. I enjoy reading Members’ Stories. We read them at our meetings.
L.B.
More sobriety stories.
D.G.
Very helpful. It [Essay] keeps me in contact each month.
G.A.
