March 13

March 13 – AM          Page 567-568, Spiritual Experience, Appendix II

In the first few chapters a number of sudden revolutionary changes are described.  Though it was not our intention to create such an impression, many alcoholics have nevertheless concluded that in order to recover they must acquire an immediate and overwhelming “God-consciousness” followed at once by a vast change in feeling and outlook.
Among our rapidly growing membership of thousands of alcoholics such transformations, though frequent, are by no means the rule.  Most of our experiences are what the psychologist William James calls the “educational variety” because they develop slowly over a period of time.  Quite often friends of the newcomer are aware of the difference long before he is himself.  He finally realizes that he has undergone a profound alteration in his reaction to life; that such a change could hardly have been brought about by himself alone.  What often takes place in a few months could seldom have been accomplished by years of self discipline.  With few exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves.

March 13 – PM          Page 157-158, A Vision For You, Chapter 11

He interrupted:  “I used to be strong for the church, but that won’t fix it.  I’ve prayed to God on hangover mornings and sworn that I’d never touch another drop but by nine o’clock I’d be boiled as an owl.”
Next day found the prospect more receptive.  He had been thinking it over.  “Maybe you’re right,” he said.  “God ought to be able to do anything.”  Then he added, “He sure didn’t do much for me when I was trying to fight this booze racket alone.”