Jan. 24, 2014 – Step by Step

 Step by Step

Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 

"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." – Step 12

Today, Step 12, the "graduation" Step that bestows marching orders and ushers us into the world and puts the AA program into service by taking the message to other alcoholics still struggling. But to be "qualified" as a 12th-Stepper, we have to see that this Step is actually one in three; we are required in it to, first, have had a spiritual awakening, second, carry the message, and third, practice in all our affairs the principles espoused in the previous 11 Steps. And without achieving each three requirements, our effectiveness as a 12th-Stepper is likely to be compromised. After all, how can we talk about a spiritual awakening if we have not attained one; how can we ask someone to practice the principles of AA in all his affairs if we don’t do so ourselves? Today, I ask myself if I have experienced the spiritual awakening that is fundamental to our Program, if I actually practice the Program’s principles in all I do, and if I try to carry the message when asked for help. And our common journey continues. Step by step. –Chris M., 2014