Oldtimers’ Legacy

The following thoughts came to me recently when I had to observe how newly elected members left the Service Committee after a short period of time because they could not maintain their sobriety. Four members of the old Service Committee did not stand for reelection at this present term of office. The Fellowship elected five new SA friends to take their place. Out of these new Service Committee members, four lost their sobriety and all of them left the Service Committee before the term was over.

I’d like to share something very personal, very much my own experience. It’s a rather recent awareness, and I’m not sure what it all means, except that it’s at the center of my life today.

This past August, by the Grace of God, I celebrated my third “birthday” in this life-saving God-inspired program. Ceaseless are the gifts that befall me in recovery. The gifts come in the form of growth (sometimes painful) by learning more about who I am and acceptance of me, defects and all. I made a list of people I thought I had harmed while doing the first four steps and it was quite impressive.

R.K., of Simi Valley, California, writes, “…Speaking for myself, I see that the great key to my serenity and recovery and sobriety is anchored in the realization of my powerlessness over my lust. This powerlessness — just as true today as it was nine years and ten months ago — is what energizes my surrender of my lust and other defects to the only One who has the Remedy.