Truth Freed Me
Personal Stories From The First Edition
IN MAY 1936, after a prolonged period of alcoholism, my friends, my
associates, my superiors, and those people who really loved me in spite
of embarrassments too numerous to mention, finally left me because they
had come to the conclusion that I didn't have any idea of doing or trying
to do the right thing.
I was a spineless individual who didn't care a rap for anyone or
anything-I was hopeless and knew it-and then in my extremity, The Divine
Comforter, "Truth" came to me in a barroom where I had spent the major
portion of six weeks.
The Divine Comforter, in my experience, came in the guise of a former
drinking companion whom I had assisted home on several occasions. Because
of physical infirmities brought about by alcoholic success, he had been
unable to walk a distance of three blocks to his home unassisted, when I
last saw him. Now he approached me, and to my amazement he was sober and
appeared greatly improved in physical condition.
He induced me to take a ride with him, and as we rode along told me of
the marvelous thing that had come into his life. He had more than a
practical idea of my difficulties, he also had a logical and practical
idea as to how they might be overcome.
He started the conversation by explaining acute alcoholism and stated
very bluntly that I was an alcoholic. This was news to me in spite of the
fact that I had promised everybody East of the Mississippi, if they would
take time to listen, that I was through with drink. At the time I made
these promises, I honestly wanted to quit drinking, but for some unknown
reason hadn't seemed able to. He told me why I failed.
He then suggested that I accompany him to a local doctor who had been
helpful to him. It took forty-eight hours of persuasion and quite a few
drinks to fortify myself, but I finally agreed to go. The doctor turned
out to be one who had been an alcoholic himself, and in gratitude for the
release he had found and because he understood the true meaning of the
phrase "Brotherly Love" was spending a great portion of his time helping
unfortunate individuals like myself.
With the help and advice of these two individuals and two or three
associates, I was able, for the first time in two and a half years, to
stay sober for six weeks, and then disastrously tried the beer
experiment. For some time I couldn't get hold of myself, but gradually
came out of hiding and exposed myself again to this influence which had
been so helpful.
July 2, 1936, I again contacted the two individuals, and since that day I
have never had a drink. However, because of the difficulties I
encountered as the result of the beer experiment, I was unable for some
time to find reality in this new way of life. I was doubtful, fearful,
full of self-pity, afraid to humiliate myself.
This unreality lasted until December 11th, when I was faced with the
absolute necessity of raising a sum of money. For the first time came the
realization that I was faced with a difficulty from which I seemed unable
to extricate myself. Of course, I to ok time out to bemoan the fact that
"after all I'd done, this had to happen to me" but on the advice of my
wife, I reluctantly went to a banker.
I told him my story completely. I went to him believing that my need was
money. I went there as a last resort to attempt to pry it loose to meet
my needs. My need was not money, but again I had been led to the proper
source. After having related my story to the banker, who knew my
reputation not only as an alcoholic but as an individual who didn't pay
his bills, he said, "I know something of what you are trying to do, and I
believe you are on the right track. Are you right with the Father who
knows y our needs before you ask? If so, you are not dependent upon this
bank or any individual in it, or any rules by which we operate, because
your help comes from an ever present and all powerful Father. I am going
to do everything I can to secure this loan for you. However, I don't want
anything that happens here to throw you off the track, I want you to
leave here feeling that you have done everything you could to secure
those funds, and go about your business. Your business is business with
God's work. I don't know whether that calls for you to go and collect a
bill, sell some new contract, or to sit quietly and pray, but your Father
knows and if you will but permit Him, He will direct you."
I had again found reality. My needs were met from another entirely
unexpected source.
The manifestations of this ever present Power in my experience since 1936
are too numerous to mention. Let it suffice to say that I am profoundly
grateful for the opportunities I have had of seeing and knowing "TRUTH."
Contact:
The Legacy Group of Alcoholics Anonymous © 2005