Endigar 623 ~ Protection for All
From the Daily Reflections of November 30;
At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers. At the level of press, radio, TV, and films, anonymity stresses the equality in the Fellowship of all members by putting the brake on those who might otherwise exploit their A.A. affiliation to achieve recognition, power, or personal gain. (“Understanding Anonymity, page 5)
Attraction is the main force in the Fellowship of A.A. The miracle of continuous sobriety of alcoholics within A.A. confirms this fact every day. It would be harmful if the Fellowship promoted itself by publicizing, through the media of radio and TV, the sobriety of well-known public personalities who became members of A.A. If these personalities happened to have slips, outsiders would think our movement is not strong and they might question the veracity of the miracle of the century. Alcoholics Anonymous is not anonymous, but its members should be.
END OF QUOTE
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When I saw anonymity as a benefit to me, a cover for my refuge as I struggled for recovery, I could not imagine ever wanting to break it. As I have recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body and do not feel the fear of being discovered, I desire to speak openly. I equate self-revelation with truthfulness. Is it an act of honesty or isolating pride? I welcome being hidden away when I am struggling, and then desire more recognition when I am doing well. I might rob new comers of their own refuge as I out them by association and thus would be demonstrating selfish disregard. I need to keep a safe place in tact even if I am not personally feeling threatened. The wolf den is for the protection of the entire pack.
Daily Reprieve 
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