The measure we gave was the measure we got back… This timeless little phrase has never meant more to me than it does now.

It started in January, on the drive home from the Rochester conference. The idea hit me that I was going to find a meeting room somewhere and start a Step meeting patterned after the North Hollywood group—period, end of thought. Lucky for me I had no idea what I was in for.

I found the room, had the key to the church, and the support of a handful of SA members. Then I realized I had no format and no idea how to start a new SA meeting. So, back on my knees for more prayer.

A member who has been very supportive from the beginning helped me, and another member whose advice and prayer has been invaluable was to fax me the new format. Well, I didn’t get home in time to retrieve the fax, so with the White Book, the 12 & 12 and my church key I headed to the meeting, and blundered through it. I did all the readings in the White Book, and then we read from the 12 & 12.

Although I didn’t express it, I felt I had failed the group. A group conscience was set for the next week to elect officers and agree on a meeting format.

I retrieved the fax, and figured since the group had not yet voted on a format, I’d go for broke and use the new one at the next meeting. More anxiety. Back on my knees and more prayer.

Fourteen people showed up for the second meeting. I read from the format. My friend started the readings. I was convinced everyone thought this was a lousy idea. I was a wreck, and after everyone had an opportunity to share we closed the meeting and began the group conscience. More prayer. At this point I didn’t even want to lead the group conscience, but I didn’t think anyone else did either, so I went for it.

We spent the next 45 minutes discussing the format, perhaps the most rewarding 45 minutes I’ve spent in recovery to date. The discussion was lively and opinionated, but I sensed there was developing a common theme, and the message became clear. We wanted recovery for ourselves and each other. We all wanted sobriety!

Finally, the vote. Overwhelmingly, the group agreed to adopt the format exactly as it was printed. I could feel the sense of unity, the excitement about recovery. I was, to say the least, elated. As I drove home that night I felt a renewed faith in the fellowship of SA. I discovered how much we all want recovery. I felt a new strength in our unity. With tears in my eyes, I broke out singing “Amazing Grace” at the top of my lungs driving down the highway.

As I’ve proofread this letter, it seems corny or awkward to me. I wanted to compose eloquent prose describing my experience, strength and hope. What I want most, though, is to stay sober and recover and I want it for others too, because we can’t do it alone.

My good friend said something to me after the meeting I’ll never forget. He said “You did good tonight. You got it going, then you gave it away.” I must have given a whole lot away, because I got a whole lot back.