REACHING OUT

Daily reflections - DECEMBER 14

Never  talk  down  to  an  alcoholic  from  any  moral  or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual looks for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you. ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS, p. 95

When I come into contact with a newcomer, do I have a tendency  to  look  at  him  from  my  perceived  ingle  of success in A.A.? Do I compare him with the large number of acquaintances  I have  made  in the  Fellowship?  Do I point out to him in a magisterial way the voice of A.A.? What is my real attitude toward him? I must examine myself whenever I meet a newcomer to make sure that I am carrying the message with simplicity, humility and generosity. The one who still suffers from the terrible dis- ease of alcoholism must find in me a friend who will allow him to get to know the A.A. way, because I had such a friend when I arrived in A.A. Today it is my turn to hold out my hand, with love, to my sister or brother alcoholic, and to show her or him the way to happiness.