Member: Margie
Location: L.I.
Date: 2/24/2002
Time: 7:21:30 PM

Comments

What a concept...to have a group of drunks be TRUSTED servants! Before I came to AA, I couldn't be trusted with anything.

This tradition, as all of them do, helps me to understand that it is a WE program that we are all neither better nor worse than the next person. We can all be trusted and together, through the Grace of God, do what is best for all of as a whole. Not to be dictated by one or a group of humans, who think they can govern what is best for us. Lets face it, all of us thought we knew what was best for everybody, even if they didn't ask, or even if we didn't verbalize, we were still thinking we knew it all. I certainly was, and still do, I certainly wasn't going take anyone else's suggestions either!

All we have is today, and the many experiences, strengths and hopes all of us bring to AA, ones we can learn from. That is God talking through us, helping us understand ourselves better, and his will for us, as an individual and as a whole.

Thanks for letting me share...Grateful drunk and drug addict named Margie.


Member: Christine C.
Location: Cakima, MICHIGAN
Date: 2/24/2002
Time: 8:10:16 PM

Comments

Christine, Alcoholic

I think it is wonderful to have the 2nd tradition. Because think about it; get a bunch of sober drunks together and there just might be a fight. I have been sober 2 years, Only by the Grace of God and you people, becaues to be sober was not my will. I like going to all my group conscious meetings at the home group. Because, everyone listens, everyone discusses their opinion without a fist fight, everyone is acknowledged, "We" the groups of AA are the "bosses", "We,together" make all decisions concerning AA. And you feel the "loving God" in the room. And the spiritalality there. "We" as members of alcoholics anonymous, have all right to vote some"one" out that thinks suddenly since they are in office they are in charge, because "we" voted them there, trusting them to be a trusted servant. I really enjoy the business side of AA as well as the group side. I go to Intra Areas and Unity Council and like to get involved, but I know GOD is the only one in charge.

Thanks for letting me share Happy to be Clean & SOBER!!


Member: Sarah S
Location: So California
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 11:10:34 AM

Comments

The key for me in this tradition is the phrase "they do not govern". I, as an ever rebellious alcoholic, do much better as a volunteer than if commanded. And this after just celebrating 35 sober years as a dedicated member of this wonderful and much loved fellowship.


Member: Eddie B
Location: Miami
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 5:17:41 PM

Comments

"as he MAY express himself in our group conscience"...sometimes a loving God isn't expressed very well...<business meetings> thankx for sobriety, 14yrs.


Member: Les dos 6/20/87
Location: San Diego
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 10:23:03 PM

Comments

The Group is the basic unit of AA. A group is two or more alcoholics who come together in the hopes of helping each other gain and maintain sobriety. All the groups I'm familiar with meet on a regular basis and the problems start.

There is a little cliche flouting around AA that all anyone needs to start a new meeting is a resentment and a coffee pot. This has been true for many meetings. Resentments at meetings stem many times from leaders who do not want to be trusted servants but authority. Authorities generally can garner followers who themselves can see the rightness of the authority's concepts.

How many times have we all heard that some meeting is good or bad, when what is really meant is that a particular meeting either is or is not the proponents cup of tea. If I don't like the meeting it is bad, if I do like it it is a good meeting. Don't most of us think that way?

Most of the meetings in my experience have business meetings, separate from the regular meetings, which are sparsely attended. Sometimes three or four people can be making the decisions for very large groups which meet daily and attract hundreds of people. The group conscience in such cases is laughable. Are we turning our backs on the will of a loving God when we, as group members, fail to attend business meetings?

On the other hand some of the meetings I attend determine everything that happens in the functioning of the meeting by group conscience during the regular meetings. The decisions include; what particular format the meeting shall have, who the officers shall be -- secretary, leader, treasurer, coffee maker, steering committee members -- what shall be done with excess funds, will the meeting provide cakes and tokens, etc.

Sometimes in trying to determine group conscience personality conflicts come into play and decisions are made, not on the merits of an issue, but the popularity of the combatants.

As I sit here reading what I've written I find it amazing that AA functions at all. Yet, remarkably, it does function and not only that, but it functions incredibly well. It seems that God's in His heaven and all's well with AA.


Member: Les
Location: San Diego
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 11:03:00 PM

Comments

The Group is the basic unit of AA. A group is two or more alcoholics who come together in the hopes of helping each other gain and maintain sobriety. All the groups I'm familiar with meet on a regular basis and the problems start.

There is a little cliche flouting around AA that all anyone needs to start a new meeting is a resentment and a coffee pot. This has been true for many meetings. Resentments at meetings stem many times from leaders who do not want to be trusted servants but authority. Authorities generally can garner followers who themselves can see the rightness of the authority's concepts.

How many times have we all heard that some meeting is good or bad, when what is really meant is that a particular meeting either is or is not the proponents cup of tea. If I don't like the meeting it is bad, if I do like it it is a good meeting. Don't most of us think that way?

Most of the meetings in my experience have business meetings, separate from the regular meetings, which are sparsely attended. Sometimes three or four people can be making the decisions for very large groups which meet daily and attract hundreds of people. The group conscience in such cases is laughable. Are we turning our backs on the will of a loving God when we, as group members, fail to attend business meetings?

On the other hand some of the meetings I attend determine everything that happens in the functioning of the meeting by group conscience during the regular meetings. The decisions include; what particular format the meeting shall have, who the officers shall be -- secretary, leader, treasurer, coffee maker, steering committee members, what shall be done with excess funds, will the meeting provide cakes and tokens, etc.

Sometimes in trying to determine group conscience personality conflicts come into play and decisions are made, not on the merits of an issue, but the popularity of the combatants.

As I sit here reading what I've written I find it amazing that AA functions at all. Yet, remarkably, it does function and not only that, but it functions incredibly well. It seems that God's in His heaven and all's well with AA.


Member: Eddie B
Location: Miami
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 11:09:44 PM

Comments

I agree, all's well with AA's program... the fellowship has a long way to go, me included I hope. just spent 10 days visiting in San Diego, you guys do AA pretty good out there, DOS 2-9-88


Member: Les m.
Location: San Diego
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 11:10:52 PM

Comments

The Group is the basic unit of AA. A group is two or more alcoholics who come together in the hopes of helping each other gain and maintain sobriety. All the groups I'm familiar with meet on a regular basis and the problems start.

There is a little cliche flouting around AA that all anyone needs to start a new meeting is a resentment and a coffee pot. This has been true for many meetings. Resentments at meetings stem many times from leaders who do not want to be trusted servants but authority. Authorities generally can garner followers who themselves can see the rightness of the authority's concepts.

How many times have we all heard that some meeting is good or bad, when what is really meant is that a particular meeting either is or is not the proponents cup of tea. If I don't like the meeting it is bad, if I do like it it is a good meeting. Don't most of us think that way?

Most of the meetings in my experience have business meetings, separate from the regular meetings, which are sparsely attended. Sometimes three or four people can be making the decisions for very large groups which meet daily and attract hundreds of people. The group conscience in such cases is laughable. Are we turning our backs on the will of a loving God when we, as group members, fail to attend business meetings?

On the other hand some of the meetings I attend determine everything that happens in the functioning of the meeting by group conscience during the regular meetings. The decisions include; what particular format the meeting shall have, who the officers shall be -- secretary, leader, treasurer, coffee maker, steering committee members, what shall be done with excess funds, will the meeting provide cakes and tokens, etc.

Sometimes in trying to determine group conscience personality conflicts come into play and decisions are made, not on the merits of an issue, but the popularity of the combatants.

As I sit here reading what I've written I find it amazing that AA functions at all. Yet, remarkably, it does function and not only that, but it functions incredibly well. It seems that God's in His heaven and all's well with AA.


Member: two plus...
Location: and counting...
Date: 2/25/2002
Time: 11:52:26 PM

Comments

Les; your point is taken...3 TIMES!!!!


Member: Anne M.
Location: Alberta
Date: 2/26/2002
Time: 12:05:04 AM

Comments

My name is Anne, I am an alcoholic.

Trust? Me? Who do I trust? How do I trust? Trust was/is my brick wall(the walls are tumbling down for me,now)...don't let anybody in, I stay here in 'my own little space'..no body can hurt me. Trusting others is some kind of fear that is something else to overcome. It seemed like anytime I tried to 'take the initiative', and say "ok, I'm going to trust (whoever)", I'd end up getting stabbed..so quickly put the bricks back in place, and tell myself, "I'm never doing that again--trusting someone". The program is teaching me that MY part, was 'maybe'(duh)..my expectations were to much for anyone to measure up to, including myself..and I couldn't even label the expectations. I realize that the only person I really wasn't trusting in, was myself. Thank my HP that I have this disease...this disease has lead me to discover one thing for sure, that I, not only have to, but CAN trust God. He has let me have the reigns, and only to prove that my self-will definitely will lead me "a-stray". When I stop and wonder, "why is today so unorganized/unmanagable, I realize that I haven't started my day the way I should have..placing God/trusting God, AA and sobriety first...FIRST THINGS FIRST...the day clicks along so much better. God WANTS us to trust Him, without Him, we wouldn't have this beautiful program, which guides us along, helping us to just be the best we can be for today.


Member: FrankD
Location: NJ
Date: 2/26/2002
Time: 6:00:00 PM

Comments

For our leaders to be at all effective they must serve us, not govern. I would never have joined just to hear another telling me that I MUST do this or that. I can tolerate suggestions based on what has worked for others. But Nobody could ever tell me not to drink, and have any chance of me caring what they had to say.

I guess its easier for me to follow examples of those who practice what they preach.


Member: Eddie B
Location: Miami
Date: 2/26/2002
Time: 7:36:55 PM

Comments

Anne,I found trusting the process to be within my competency...God is so very big! By the way, know why God has a sense of humor? Why else would he/she hide in the last place I would ever think of looking. thankx,Eddie B DOS 2/9/88


Member: Rick S.
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Date: 2/27/2002
Time: 3:51:38 AM

Comments

As with God's will for me - its best if I trust it and go with the flow (acceptance) - so God's will for the group is not always within my realm of understanding. I, as a member, need to let go and trust that the group conscience will continue to help us in our primary purpose, to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.


Member: satan
Location: hell
Date: 2/27/2002
Time: 9:39:40 PM

Comments

anne you can trust me i am satan.the 666 beast.


Member: Gail G
Location: CO
Date: 2/28/2002
Time: 9:10:30 AM

Comments

There always has to be a bum steer in the crowd. & this one's name is satan.


Member: Gordon
Location:
Date: 2/28/2002
Time: 2:52:27 PM

Comments

hello all, i have 9 mos. today and live in an oxford house here in tulsa. we are based on recovery for all suffering alcoholics and adicts based on the 12 steps. 13 men live in our house and are self governing. only br practicing the pricipals of A.A. especially steps 2&7 are we able to function. i'm very grateful to have found this new and rewarding way to live. gordon


Member: Tom A. 7/25/60
Location: Carlisle, AR
Date: 3/1/2002
Time: 5:15:16 PM

Comments

Good Afternoon to all who have posted and read the comments on this weeks topic, Tradition 2. Tom A. here, a grateful sober alcoholic today by the grace of a wonderful Higher Power and this fellowship we call A.A. For several years, I have used a Step and a Tradition corresponding with the month of the year in my daily morning devotional time and in February 2002 it was Step 2 and Tradition 2. Also I usually pick a word or phrases to focus on and this month in Tradition 2 it was on "a loving God..." Being convinced that I am an alcoholic and that my sobriety depends upon my fit spiritual condition each day this practice has helped me to focus upon my relationship to God and others each day! A special thanks again to all who post and read on this site. Love and prayers from an alky who cares!

God Bless - Tom A. cte50203@centurytel.net


Member: Oliver
Location: can-can
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 12:20:45 AM

Comments

To satan the tripple 6 breast.I trust you.Bend over.


Member: tech
Location:
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 1:03:18 AM

Comments

testing


Member: Rich R
Location: Detroit
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 6:04:41 AM

Comments

Traditon #2 is one that I don't hear much about at meetings except when someone just reads the traditions. It is really neat that the same Higher Power that gets all of us sober chooses to express himself (herself) through our group conscience. That calls for me to always be on my guard for too much ego when I go to meetings. I need to remember that this is a WE program and I am like one of the six blind men who are trying to describe and elephant - none of us gets the whole picture without listening to the others perspectives. I need to really listen to my fellow AAs to get a healthy understanding on our Higher Power.

As far as "but trusted servants", please see Dan's website: http://www.solecon.com/butt-trusted/

Thanks for letting me share.


Member: friend of bills
Location:
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 4:04:14 PM

Comments

Hi, if you are interested in a new meeting that will be starting in 6 weeks or so in the poconos pa, go to discussion link here at 4:00pm 3/2 for more info


Member: Greg
Location:
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 4:21:55 PM

Comments

I`m an alocholic named Greg.I have 12 weeks sober.I can`t get to my meetings here in Oswego,NY so I caught this site on-line.Any one any where please say Hi to me.


Member: mojo
Location:
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 4:58:55 PM

Comments

hi greg,hope this helps


Member: Scott K
Location: New Jersey
Date: 3/2/2002
Time: 9:19:57 PM

Comments

Hi..I'm Scott, I'm an alcoholic. For me, the thing that "jumps out" about the 2nd tradition is the concept of a loving God being the only Ultimate Authority. It's funny, I spent the majority of my adult life thinking believing in a higher power was constraining; it is only now I understand how liberating it can be. I THOUGHT I was free, ruled by no "ultimate authority," yet all along my life was ruled by my disease. Given a choice between my disease and my God, I'll take God as my ultimate authority anyday.


Member: Margie
Location: L.I.
Date: 3/3/2002
Time: 12:31:10 AM

Comments

Hi Greg,

Welcome!!!Keep coming back!

Why can't you make meetings in Oswego?