February 23

February 23 – AM          Page 126,  The Family Afterward, Chapter 9

We think it dangerous if he rushes headlong at his economic problem.  The family will be affected also, pleasantly at first, as they feel their money troubles are about to be solved, then not so pleasantly as they find themselves neglected.  Dad may be tired at night and preoccupied by day.  He may take small interest in the children and may show irritation when reproved for his delinquencies.  If not irritable, he may seem dull and boring, not gay and affectionate as the family would like him to be.  Mother may complain of inattention.  They are all disappointed, and often let him feel it.  Beginning with such complaints, a barrier arises.  He is straining every nerve to make up for lost time.  He is striving to recover fortune and reputation and feels he is doing very well.

February 23 – PM          Page 568, Spiritual Experience, Appendix II

Most of us think this awareness of a Power greater than ourselves is the essence of spiritual experience.  Our more religious members call it “God-consciousness.”
Most emphatically we wish to say that any alcoholic capable of honestly facing his problems in the light of our experience can recover, provided he does not close his mind to all spiritual concepts.  He can only be defeated by an attitude of intolerance or belligerent denial.
We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program.  Willingness, honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery.  But these are indispensable.