THE MIRACLE THAT SHINES LIGHT ALONG OUR HUMBLING PATH – “This is a very large order. It is a task which we may perform with increasing skill, but never really finish. Learning how to live in the greatest peace, partnership, and brotherhood with all men and women, of whatever description, is a moving and fascinating adventure.” (12 & 12, p. 77)
Today’s SFZ
AS “THE HORIZON IS BECKONING ONCE MORE” – “Memories of the past no longer hold us back … . We are free to dream and to pursue the fulfillment of our dreams. Our lives stretch out before us like a limitless horizon.” (It Works, How & Why, p. 69)
“The storms of the past are receding. The skies are brightening. And the horizon is beckoning once more.” – U.S. Pres. Barack Obama (1961 – ) Energy speech 12/8/09
“An understanding heart is everything in a teacher … . One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling.” “… warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”
– Dr. Carl Jung (1875 – 1961) Swiss Psychologist
“He made us realize, we are our brother’s keeper and that our brothers come in all colors.” – U.S. Boxer Muhammad Ali on Nelson Mandela, 1st native African President of South Africa (on selflessness)
AND REACH FOR THE STARS – “There is no model of the recovering addict. When the drugs go and the addict works the program, wonderful things happen. Lost dreams awaken and new possibilities arise. Our willingness to grow spiritually keeps us buoyant.” (The Basic Text, p.91)
THE SOLUTION – “Timing is an essential part of this step. We should make amends when the opportunity presents itself, except when to do so will cause harm.” “We want to be free of guilt, but we don’t wish to do so at the expense of anyone else.” (The Basic Text, p. 32)
Today’s SFZ
HARM DOES NOT HAPPEN IN A VACUUM – ” … Step Eight isn’t simply a restatement of our inventory. We are now looking for the people, places, and institutions we harmed, not just the types of harm we inflicted. [We] didn’t just lie; we lied to someone. [We] didn’t just steal; we stole from various people.” (It Works, How & Why, p. 56 to cause harm)
“When it comes to ego deflation, few Steps are harder to take than Five. But scarcely any Step is more necessary to longtime sobriety and peace of mind than this one.” (12 & 12 p. 55)