On this day in 1939 – Alcoholics Anonymous, A.A.'s "Big Book", is first published.
“Those events that once made me feel ashamed and disgraced now allow me to share with others how to become a useful member of the human race.”
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“On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.”
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“We missed the reality and the beauty of the forest because we were diverted by the ugliness of some of its trees.”
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“We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day “Thy will be done.” We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions.”
- Bill W. from The Big Book
Psalm 18:6 - In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.
It is not stress that threatens our souls, but distress. And even distress is not the end of the matter for one who is working out his or her trust in God. “That soul who on Jesus hath leaned for repose …” is not hesitant to cry out to God for help. The lessons from the Twelve Steps of A.A. are modified to say that we admitted we were powerless over sin and human frailty - that our lives had become unmanageable and came to believe that only God in Jesus Christ, who is far greater than ourselves, could restore us to sanity. In my distress and out of my distress, my cry is to God who hears me. Let these words challenge and comfort you.
