A.A., of San Angelo, TX, reports: “This group has come into being on its own. One of the members’ AA sponsor told him to talk to me about SA. At the time, he told me there would be no way he could meet in a mixed group. Well, tonight he celebrated his sixth week of sobriety! He told the group (three male, two female) that being celibate has opened up his life to God as nothing has ever done before, including surrendering alcohol and drugs. The other members of the group are all admitted sexaholics. Three of us have over 30 days sobriety. It blows my mind because God has brought all of this about without me having to do anything except surrender my right to lust to Him one day at a time.… I decided to abstain from sex (in my marriage) for a period. Immediately I have felt a new calmness. Now when I touch her or hold her I know that it is a gift of me to her with no strings attached of sex or dependency. For me I have found I had to remove sex from the equation to see what we have going for us. A new adventure has begun! I did not think it was possible to stop masturbating before SA. Now, just seven months later, I have stopped sex altogether. Unbelievable, but it is happening in my life one day at a time.
“The extra money from the dues is a contribution from a grateful recovering sexaholic.”
R.L., of Rochester, NY, says: “Thanks for the information on hostility. It helps me so much to look at my defects as being a kind of spirit that comes upon me. Thoughts just come and go it seems. But if I kind of step back and see it as something I can’t control, they lose their power, and I don’t feel so guilty knowing that I don’t create the thoughts. Not acting on them even lessens the guilt.
“I always considered my sobriety in AA as being so important, but I don’t think I knew what powerless meant. Now I’m learning what it is and I’m excited about what’s to come with surrender and abstinence.…
“Today I have 20 days sobriety. The longest time sober in one-and-a-half years. I’m kinda scared about turning my old ideas over absolutely.”
J.B., of Jemez Springs, NM: “Could you please send me as many copies of your manual as possible? I enclose a check for $15.00. Perhaps that is just enough for one, maybe two or three. Whatever! I came across your manual last night and it struck me with the power of a revelation! Even if all I ever do is read it (though I hope to do far, far more) I will forever be grateful. It spoke to me like almost nothing else has in all my life. And, God knows how I need the message. There are a few others here, too, who want to learn more. Who knows—maybe the Lord will surprise us in ways we do not expect. He’s good at that! I will keep SA in my daily prayers.…”
B.E., of Fairfield, CT, reports: “Last night I just finished reading the most recent Newsletter. I had no idea the SA network was so massive. That’s a comfort to know that others struggle, triumph, make mistakes, and strive for a healthy rhythm. SA has been a consistent call to health for me, and helps me believe that sobriety is possible. My own sobriety is growing and I am grateful.… I’m also enclosing a donation to support the coordination work you do.”
