Note from the Delegate Chair

Dear Fellow SA Members:

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on Step Three. While working Step One, I faced my powerlessness over lust. In Step Two I came to believe that there is a power greater than myself. Now, in Step Three I must take positive action and give myself to that Higher Power, so that I can be free of my self-destructive behaviors. I must ask myself, “Am I willing to accept what my God is telling me?”

The words of the Third Step Prayer challenge me to commit myself to my own recovery: “God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt” (AA 63). “Offer, build, and do” means that I need to take action. “Offer myself to God” means that I am willing to take the time to listen to Him. I must make a daily decision to turn my will and life over to a Power greater than myself. My self-will is self-destructive. I must take action by offering myself to God, one day at a time. I can begin today!

“Build with me” means God won’t do the Steps for me. I am the key to building the trust to let Him bring my inside out. Without trust, I cannot enjoy life to its fullest. Walking through the doors of SA, even for the first time, is the beginning of working Step Three and of building that trust.

“Do” means do! I must be entirely ready to surrender my lust today and every day forward. I need to just do it. I can’t do it alone. I need God, and He needs all of us to carry the message. I must trust the process each day. I need to look myself in the eye each day and ask, “Am I giving myself to the SA program?” The Twelve Steps are a group of spiritual principles, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to lust and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole (12&12 15).

The SA convention in Irvine was a spiritual feast for me. Roy K.’s wife and his family were our guests at the Saturday night meeting. We honored them for the sacrifices and service they have given to SA from the very beginning. What a special treat for our fellowship! The family said that they felt welcomed. They expressed gratitude for making them feel a part of the fellowship. They were blessed to be able to see what Roy began so many years ago. I’m grateful to have been a part of this event.

The convention in Portland this July promises to be another great spiritual feast. I invite all members to join us and “offer, build, and do” what we cannot do for ourselves. It will be well worth the time and effort.