As I was speaking with a semi-conscious man who had spent some serious time with Jim Beam, it struck me how lucky I had been to stay sober for so long. This moment cemented my belief that I was not only here to help this man, but in fact he was here to help me. I was confronted with the truth that I was just as powerless as my new friend was without God’s help. It’s Amazing Grace.
I must always assess by behavior by one question, “Am I moving closer to God or further away from Him? In my thoughts, in my feelings and in my deeds?
Strenuous work, one alcoholic with another, was vital to permanent recovery.
—Page xvii Alcoholics Anonymous
