Last night my group got to answer the phones for the Denver area. And it was at my house. We got nine calls. I don't remember ever getting so many calls in one night. I got calls before other people even arrived! Most of them wanted only meeting information.One woman wanted to know how much it cost to go to AA. She had looked for a meeting online and was going to go, but wanted to make sure she could afford it because she didn't have much money. I was so happy to tell her that AA didn't cost anything. That they would pass a basket during the meeting and she could put in a dollar or two if she had it, but she didn't need to.
Then I got to tell her that 26 years ago I needed to quit drinking and didn't have insurance or any money so I went to AA. I wasn't compelled to pay any money, only put a dollar in the basket - if I had it. I told her I am still sober today. And my daughter is now sober too.
You know, when you boil it down to a simple paragraph like that - it is just flat out amazing what we do in Alcoholics Anonymous.
I got a full dose of that last night.
Like the man who walked in... I didn't know him. I was standing in the kitchen talking with a sponsee and whispered to her that I had no idea who this guy was! She walked up to him and said "Hi, I'm J----!" He said, "Hi!, I'm _____" She came back into the kitchen and said "Mary, that's ___" So, I got to welcome him. He is a new guy. Bless his heart. He brought a bunch of very carefully prepared food that needed to be heated. And he got to sit and join in fellowship with some other folks who actually DID know who he is!
Oh, I just love it all.
It's a good life. A sober life. By the Grace of God.
8 comments:
I owe my life to people that serve by answering those phone calls. The fact that you all enjoy some fellowship and food (and joy and sharing) is nothing short of a divine blessing.
♥namaste♥ *off to $$ store*
I was smiling as I read this.
We were in Florence, Italy, two weeks ago. One night we walked a mile to St. James American Church. There was an English-speaking meeting there. Wonderful. And we got to take a curious friend. Aren't we lucky?
I had a new sponsee ask me a month ago if there was a fee involved in me taking her through the steps. I got to tell her it was priceless!Especially for me.
I guess I have been reading your blog for a while now Mary, because when you say "Answer phones" I think-Pie.
I think that all of this is a gift from God. Thanks for sharing it and for being there for those still sick and suffering.
Cool! So glad you continue to share your experiences, what you do and how you act.
We are not alone! I'm grateful for you!
I really like this post because I feel the spirit of AA moving and excitement arises just by reading about your service work here. Thanks for sharing!
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