Monday, October 12, 2009

Leadership in AA...


Over the weekend, I attended the Southwest Regional Forum in Dallas, TX.

I had a conversations with my sponsor last Wednesday about AA leadership.  He reminded me about when I came into the program, I was bouncing off all the walls, spouting off psycho-babble, arrogance and  everything except AA or our program of recovery.

Over time, the quiet, consistent, leadership of those who loved and supported this fellowship eventually won me over to where I am now.  It wasn't much more than the casual comment here or there which directed my thinking and actions.  Perhaps, not even that - just the fact that they had a spiritual presence and commitment  that was infectious and clearly better than what I had to offer.

I now have a lot of concerns about our fellowship and our ability to survive the current seeming attacks on AA from all fronts.  I went to the Forum ready to "do battle" and find fault with those who I blame, in part, for the woes that befall my home group and AA as a whole.

What I found instead of a battle was a sincere appreciation and agreement by those at the bottom of our service triangle. They agree with me about the challenges that confront us in carrying a pure AA message of experience, strength and hope in the AA program of recovery.  The agree as well about some of the challenges that face the fellowship and service structure which supports that message and purpose.

They encouraged me to take action where I saw that action was required, tell the truth where I saw danger and need for change, and to look for those who would support the future we desired to build for our fellowship.

I think AA leadership is still working...

Amazing...

2 comments:

Syd said...

I'm glad to hear you write that. I sincerely hope that it is.

Mary Christine said...

That is good news.