Comments on the Nashville Convention
Speaking for myself, I am against hugging in SA almost completely. About the only time I have ever initiated a hug in my years in SA was a few times after a person had given a very intense and difficult, for them, First Step to the group. But, even in such a case, I would rather not hug if it is a woman member (I’m male).…
“Dear Friends! May the Hope and Joy of Recovery be with you in the U.S.A. as it is here in Hochstenbach near Bonn.”
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.
I just came back from a retreat hosted by our local SA groups. It was open to members of another sexual recovery fellowship. Here are some observations.
…I enjoyed last week’s meeting and appreciated your sharing. I reflected afterwards on how I reached bottom and how I knew I was having a problem. I believed I was fighting against nature. I started to believe I would lose my battle.
…I have been able to maintain my sexual sobriety for five and a half months now with the help of God, meetings and the literature, which really means applying the Steps in my life each day in all my affairs. I have not had a great deal of trouble in those five months except at certain times and when they did come, it was very difficult but I want my sexual sobriety very much and am in touch with God constantly.
It has been a long time since having written to you. The Loners Group has gone from a high of 30 back down to a current low of 14. It might help if you re-installed the notice in the ESSAY. Since the omission of the notice, inquiries have dropped off. Thanks.
Our group has become quite solid with our attendance ranging 20-25. We are pleased to be able to contribute to your good works.
Howdy from Oklahoma City, OK. We are growing and getting stronger down here. Groups seem to regularly exceed ten people in a meeting. We have also started an intergroup for our three groups. There is also talk of a fourth group being started.
