Daily Reprieve

From the Big Book (4th Edition);

“I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” (page 14).   “But after a while we had to face the fact that we must find a spiritual basis of life – or else.” (page 44).

“If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol.” (page 33).  “We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.” (page 30).

“Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness.  We must, or it kills us!  God makes that possible.” (page 62, emphasis on the word this to point out that the text is talking about a particular kind of selfishness described in preceding pages, not all selfishness, for self-preservation is highly prized and necessary for recovery.)

“Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it.  We must be willing to make amends where we have done harm, provided that we do not bring about still more harm in so doing.” (page 69; ideal refers to how we will conduct our future sex life).

“We must be entirely honest with somebody if we expect to live long or happily in this world.” (page 73-74).  “The rule is we must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others.” (page 74).

“We must lose our fear of creditors no matter how far we have to go, for we are liable to drink if we are afraid to face them.” (page 78). “Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be.  We may lose our position or reputation or face jail, but we are willing.  We have to be.  We must not shrink at anything.” (page 79).  “If we have obtained permission, have consulted with others, asked God to help and the drastic step is indicated we must not shrink.” (page 80).

“Sometimes we hear an alcoholic say that the only thing he needs to do is to keep sober.  Certainly he must keep sober, for there will be no home if he doesn’t.  But he is a long way from making good…” (page 82).  “Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead.  We must take the lead.”  (page 83).  “Of course, we all fall much below this standard many times.  But we must try to repair the damage immediately lest we pay the penalty by a spree.”  (page 99).

“Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will into all of our activities. ‘How can I best serve Thee – Thy will (not mine) be done.’  These are thoughts which must go with us constantly…To some extent we have become God-conscious.  We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense.  But we must go further and that means more action.  Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation.” (page 85).

“But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to others.” (page 86).

“To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.” (page 93).

“Both you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress.  If you persist, remarkable things will happen.” (page 100).

“Although financial recovery is on the way for many of us, we found we could not place money first. For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never preceded.” (page 127).  “…he should understand that he must undergo a change of heart. To get over drinking will require a transformation of thought and attitude. We all had to place recovery above everything, for without recovery we would have lost both home and business.” (page 143)

“When the man is presented with this volume it is best that no one tell him he must abide by its suggestions. The man must decide for himself.” (page 144).