AA *Repairing The Damage -- Step 9 & A Democratic AA

When we mend the damage of our past, "Daily Reflections" (p265) illustrates two options to do so: direct and indirect (or living) amends; Hopefully, we can do both. Then, this reading from "24 Hours A Day" (Sept. 13th) poses the question: Has AA taught me to be truly democratic? Social distinctions, petty rivalries, and jealousies have no place in our fellowship. Here we pray that we may bring peace where there is discord and conciliation where there is conflict.

Transcript

Daily Reflections.

Repairing the Damage.

Good Judgment,

A Careful Sense of Timing,

Courage and Prudence.

These are the qualities we shall need when we take Step 9.

From 12 Steps and 12 Traditions,

Page 83.

To make amends can be viewed two ways.

First,

That of repairing damage.

For if I have damaged my neighbor's fence,

I make a mend.

And that is a direct amend.

The second way is by modifying my behavior.

For if my actions have harmed someone,

I make a daily effort to cause no further harm.

I mend my ways.

And that is an indirect amend.

Which is the best approach?

The only right approach,

Provided that I'm causing no further harm in doing so,

Is to do both.

If harm is done,

Then I simply mend my ways.

To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.

24 hours a day.

AA thought for the day.

No one is too discredited nor has sunk too low to be welcomed cordially into AA,

If he or she means business.

Social distinctions,

Petty rivalries,

And jealousies are laughed out of countenance.

Being wrecked in the same vessel,

Being restored and united under one God with hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others,

The things that matter so much to some people no longer signify much to us.

In AA,

We have true democracy and true brotherhood.

Has AA taught me to be truly democratic?

Meditation for the day.

When you call on God in prayer to help you overcome weakness,

Sorrow,

Pain,

Discord,

And conflict,

God never fails in some way to answer the appeal.

When you are in need of strength for yourself or for the help of some other person,

Call on God in prayer.

The power you need will come simply,

Naturally,

And forcefully.

Pray to God not only when you need help,

But also just to commune with him.

The spirit of prayer can alter an atmosphere from one of discord to one of reconciliation.

It will raise the quality of thought and word and bring order out of chaos.

Prayer for the day.

I pray that I may bring peace where there is discord.

I pray that I may bring reconciliation where there is conflict.

Reviews

Amen.Thank you!
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