MW>  Tim, I read your post and found it very thought provoking. Some points I
MW>  was not aware of..
MW> 
MW>  I can see the need for some type of change, but I'm not sure that 
earing
MW>  everything down and rebuilding is the answer...not sure what the answer 
is
MW>  To bad New York can't, at least, add some amendments to the Big Book...
MW> 
MW>  As for the ego discussion, I understand what it is like to have no ego, 
MW>  and to try to deflate what is not there is not the way to go...building 
up
MW>  an ego should be first and foremost...
MW> 
MW>  I think AA works because caring individuals work with other individuals
MW>  and they are what helps make it work...they tailor the steps to the new
MW>  individuals needs...
MW> 
MW>  Just my opinion.
I have to agree with Marie in this regard.  Though the Twelve Steps are 
antiquated in the wording, and often times people have a tendency to 
nterpret
the words as written and not in the sense of what the principles are 
maintaining, I however, feel personally, that without having been introduced 
to the program of AA, I would never had been able to survive the addictive 
behaviors that I had as well as the Ego-Deflating abuse that I incurred as a 
child.  The Twelve Steps and Traditions have been a good and positive aid in 
learning how to be a human being.  I didn't get the program, it got me.  Even
today I try to practice the principles, as set down in the Big Book of AA, as 
a guide to living a healthy and fulfilling life, on a daily basis.  This
Program saved my life, and for it I will remain eternally grateful.
I, when working with my sponsees, often times vary the method of working the 
steps, as necessitated, in order to deal with the individual at the point 
hey
are at in their recovery.  I *DO NOT* make the individual work the steps 
staunchly according to the BIG BOOK.  We each recover at our own pace and 
will continue to do so as long as we are willing to be honest with 
ourselves.  I hold true to this statement wholeheartedly.  If I Strictly 
followed every suggestion that was suggested to me by the letter, I probably
would have never been able to survive the program.  However, I take what I 
need on a daily basis and leave the rest behind.
 Your's in Unity and Recovery
Edward S.
WE can recover if we have the capacity to be honest.
--- GEcho 1.00
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