SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org

I am responsi-ble when any-

one, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the

hand of A.A. always to be there, and for

that I am respon-sible.

FEBRUARY 2020 Volume 44, No. 2

life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn : 1. A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water.

2. A thing on which someone depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com

This atheist “walked into our midst,” and stayed.

At the age of 52, I attended my very first AA meeting

on Oct. 7, 2001. I have not found it necessary to take a

single drink since. Were it not for AA it’s likely I would

never have put together one continuous week of sobrie-

ty.

Finding all the “God stuff” in the Twelve Steps a bit

hard to swallow, I immediately latched onto Tradition

Three, which states, “The only requirement for AA mem-

bership is a desire to stop drinking.”

I also had the good fortune of stumbling across a

Twelve Step study during my first week of recovery. It

has been my home group ever since. That was where

someone drew my attention to the chapter on Step Two

in the “Twelve and Twelve” where it states, “First, Alco-

holics Anonymous does not demand that you believe

anything. All of its Twelve Steps are but suggestions.”

I also learned in my home group about a fellow

called “Ed” in the essay on Tradition Three in the

“Twelve and Twelve.” His real name was

Jimmy B. One of the pioneering mem-

bers of the New York group, Jimmy B.

was apparently the first diehard atheist to

find lasting recovery in AA. His personal

story eventually made it into the Second

Edition of the Big Book as “The Vicious

Cycle.” An internet search turns up lots

of interesting information about Jim. He

is my personal AA hero. (Editor’s Note:

read about him here on AA Agnosti-

ca: Jim Burwell.)

Eventually I also discovered the

pamphlet “Questions & Answers on

Sponsorship” where, much to my relief, it

points out that “some alcoholics have

been able to achieve and maintain sobri-

ety without any belief in a personal Higher Power.” That

includes me.

In an article published in the April 1961 edition of

the Grapevine (reprinted in “The Best of Bill”), Bill W.

laments: “Though 300,000 have recovered in the last 25

years, maybe half a million more have walked into our

midst, and then out again. . . . We can’t well content our-

selves with the view that all these recovery failures were

entirely the fault of the newcomers themselves. Perhaps

a great many didn’t receive the kind and amount of

sponsorship they so sorely needed.” I certainly know

what that’s like! I ended up firing two sponsors in my

first three months of recovery. The first one dogmatically

insisted that I absolutely had to turn my will and my life

over to the care of some kind of Higher Power if I want-

ed to stay sober long. My second sponsor relapsed.

Unfortunately, sponsors who actually follow the ex-

cellent suggestions outlined in “Questions & Answers on

Sponsorship” seem to be about as rare as four-leaf clo-

vers. I ended up without a sponsor for 15

months before hooking up with my cur-

rent sponsor. By then I had made a lot of

progress working a personalized program

of recovery I had designed for myself,

one that makes absolutely no reference

to any kind of “Higher Power” concept –

not even using my home group or AA as

a whole as a substitute for God. My new

sponsor’s first official advice to me was,

“Whatever you’ve been doing is obviously

working well for you, so let’s not try to ‘fix’

it.” After years of studying the Twelve

Steps in my home group and discussing

them with my sponsor, I now understand

why faith in “God as we understood Him”

was so vitally important to Bill W.

Without a Higher Power: One size does not fit all for this

atheist in recovery ~

(continued on page 2)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 2

I'm coming up on

a year now and I

will tell you, it has

been fun. I've

heard a lot of people on annual birth-

day nights say, "This has been a real

hard year for me!" And maybe it has,

but for me it has been a wonderful

journey.

A lot of things have changed since

February 11, 2008 and it started with

me—was I willing to go to any length?

I can honestly say to you, "yes." We

don't care for change too much and

this drunk was no different. When I

got here I was perfect. Little did I

know, I was actually far from it. Alco-

holics Anonymous is the greatest

thing for ego-driven people. You bring

me down to size every time I sit down

in a meeting. I'm very grateful for that.

On February 9, 2008 around 5:30

in the afternoon, I was arrested out-

side my home in front of my family

and not to mention all the people on

my street and all the people who

drove by. I remember very little about

that day just bits and pieces. I do re-

member that I was very drunk, very

angry, and very mean—I wish I could

forget the whole damn day but I can-

not. A lady once told me that, "If you

can't remember your last drunk, you

probably haven't had it yet." Makes

sense to me. The more time that I

get, I start to remember the day more

and more. I have even had dreams of

it, but things are still a little foggy at

times.

Getting out of jail the following

morning, things became very clear to

me. I thought to myself, "You have

really done it this time." No one was

there to get me and no one would an-

swer the phone calls. As the day pro-

gressed, I finally got hold of my boss

at my job. He too was fed up, and as

we talked he kept hinting about the

fact that I needed help and if I didn't

get any help, that my time with the

company was over too.

(continued on page 4)

"While in treat-ment I was hit

with divorce pa-pers—on February 14th to be exact."

Valentine's Day in Detox

and most of the AA pioneers.

As clearly explained by Dr. Harry Tiebout in the ap-

pendix of the book Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of

Age, they nearly all suffered from some form of narcis-

sism. Their narcissism had effectively blocked their re-

covery from alcoholism and eventually turned them into

low-bottom drunks of the “hopeless variety.”

The obvious cure for rampant narcissism and gran-

diosity is greater humility; and as it says in the essay on

Step Seven in the “Twelve and Twelve,” “the attainment

of greater humility is the foundation principle of each of

AA’s Twelve Steps.”

However, as Dr. Silkworth points out in “The Doc-

tor’s Opinion,” “The classification of alcoholics seems

most difficult.” Ultimately, he tells us, all alcoholics “have

one symptom in common: they cannot start drinking

without developing the phenomenon of craving.” That

certainly describes me. All of us do have issues of our

own that we need to deal with if we are to stay both so-

ber and happy, often issues that “the attainment of

greater humility” simply will not touch.

The program of recovery I work directly addresses

my issues. The only person in the world it needs to work

for is me, and it does that very, very well. Today I am not

only sober, I am far happier than I had ever dreamed it

was possible for me to be.

I now have a dozen sponsees of my own. Four of

them, like me, are atheists who have absolutely no use

for the Higher Power concept. Two of those have al-

ready enjoyed over four years of continuous sobriety.

Obviously I do not insist that my sponsees must all

work the same program of recovery, nor do I tutor them

in the program of recovery I designed to address my

own issues – “defects of character,” if you wish. Instead,

I encourage each of them to follow my example by iden-

tifying their own issues, and then working a deliberate,

systematic, active program of recovery designed by

themselves, for themselves, to directly address their is-

sues.

Over the years I have endured a lot of criticism from

other AAs for my unorthodox beliefs, especially for my

refusal to endorse the Twelve Steps as a perfect one-

size-fits-all program of recovery for every alcoholic. But

if Bill W. were alive today, I’m sure he would approve.

As he suggested in the long form of Tradition Three,

“Our membership ought to include all who suffer from

alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to re-

cover.”

That certainly includes me. My fondest hope is that

if enough others follow my example, someday it will in-

clude millions more like me who previously might have

“walked into our midst, and then out again.” Greg H., San

Diego, CA https://aaagnostica.org/2012/11/25/without-a-higher-power/

(Without a Higher Power)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 3

A Message from the SMIA Chair: “The essence of all growth is a willingness to make a change for the better and then an unremitting willing-ness to shoulder whatever responsibility this entails.” (As Bill Sees It, pg. 115) Hello SMIA and our AA Community,

Shortly after the January 2020 SMIA Business meeting, Mt. Olive United Methodist Church (the current

meeting location ) sent me a revised version of our rental agreement. In order for SMIA meetings to con-

tinue there, the monthly rent will increase on February 1, 2020. The current rate of $300.00 for three hours

per month will increase to $450.00 per month, for the use of storage space (the two existing wall cabinets

where we’ve always kept books and literature). As you know, SMIA is funded exclusively by group dona-

tions, which often vary significantly due to changes in group attendance and 7th Tradition contributions.

Therefore, $450.00 per month is not practical while many alternative locations exist in the tri-county ar-

ea. Mt. Olive UM Church will also require that we sign a 2-year contract, which will lock us into the $450/

month rate, resulting in an annual expenditure of $5400.

After discussion, the SMIA Officers agreed that we need a new meeting location. I met with community

centers and churches in the Prince Frederick area for options near the current location; however, none

were available that were able to meet our budget and logistics parameters. Therefore, it was necessary to

expand the search beyond Prince Frederick and the District 1 area. Fortunately, I was able to secure a

temporary space in District 36, at Immaculate Conception Church, 28297 Old Village Road, Mechan-

icsville, MD 20659. This is a known location where our annual Gratitude Dinner is held. The church man-

agement is very welcoming in hosting us and has been extremely generous with rental rates, which could

ultimately save us up to 80% in annual rental costs. We will vote on this new location proposal at the

SMIA meeting on February 15 at 10am. The meeting will take place in the building behind the

church, which is the same location of the Gratitude Dinner and the “Basic Text Meeting”. Instead of

entering through the main entrance, please enter on the far right side, through the door at the end of the

building. About halfway down the main hall, turn right, go to the end of that hall, and the SMIA meeting

and bookstall will be on the left. Please visit the bookstall for purchases from 9-10am, before the SMIA

meeting begins. Directional signs will be posted throughout the hallways.

In closing, a fundamental duty of the SMIA Board, and therefore mine as your Chair, is to ensure that

prudent financial decisions will best serve the local Alcoholics Anonymous community. The SMIA Officers

as Trusted Servants believe that this option is in the best interest of all, and we thank you for your patience

and understanding in this matter. As always, we encourage all to attend SMIA meetings; your input is val-

uable, your feedback is always appreciated, and your vote is needed. Please join us on February 15 as

our fellowship moves forward together into 2020.

In Love and Service, Pat Smith SMIA Chair, 2018-2020

SMIA: A Vision of Hope for the New Decade.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 4

(Valentines Day) I had been to treatment two times before. This would be the third time in five years that I would

have to go through this again. How could I honestly think that this time was to be any different? I really was hope-

less. I went through detox and treatment in West Texas before and it didn't work. But I didn't give it any effort ei-

ther. I wanted people to hand me the gift of sobriety. One of my character defects to this day is being lazy. It is

something that I really have to work on a daily basis. I do a pretty good job at it, but it is tough at times. Progress

my friends, just a little bit at a time. While in treatment I was hit with divorce papers—on February 14th to be ex-

act. What a way to spend Valentine's Day: in detox signing divorce papers. There was also a restraining order and

I was not allowed to be around my two-year- old son. That was tough to swallow. I love my son very much, but I

used to love to drink more. Bill W. once wrote, "Alcohol was my master." I know what he was talking about, but

today it is not!

After treatment, I went to a halfway house for men with drinking and drug problems, and that is where I learned

who I was. I finally found myself, and honestly I really didn't like what I found. This is where I learned that alcohol

and drugs weren't the problem, I was. Finally, I started to understand what you folks were talking about. One of

the many things you learn in AA is who we really are, what we like and what we really don't like.

And, I really didn't care for myself in any way. So here is where I changed, or should I say tried

to start making some changes. I finally turned it over to God—I can't run the show anymore. I

got a sponsor, an old timer with a lot of time. We worked the first seven Steps together. He

shared with me how he stays sober and suggested certain things to me that might help. He was

critical for me in early recovery. At times he was the only person I could talk to. He was very dear to my heart. At

six months sober, I was asked to come home by the woman who filed for divorce and to start things over. Today

things are well, a lot of work to do there still but we are getting along better than ever before. It will take time to

heal, but we are willing to try.

The sponsor that I use today is one I had before in 2005. He is the perfect fit for me. If you saw us together you

would think we were two fellows that would not normally mix. I think I've read somewhere and I believe that God

puts certain people in our lives for a reason. He is one of those people. I feel very lucky to have him as a sponsor

and a friend. He would be the first one to tell you though that he is just doing what you people taught him—so,

thank you! We finished working the Steps and Traditions, and we started going through the Steps with another

guy who is starting over, and I can't wait! Thank you for giving me hope! Thank you for always leaving the doors

open! Those promises that I have heard about are indeed coming true! Anonymous, Lubbock, TX http://www.aagrapevine.org/feature/1448

Certain similarities between the Washingtonian movement of the nineteenth century and the present day fellowship of Al-

coholics Anonymous have been commented upon by a number of observers. In view of this resemblance there is more than

historical interest in an account of the first movement in the United States which brought about a large-scale rehabilitation of

alcoholics. The phenomenal rise and spread of the Washingtonian movement throughout the land in the early 1840's was the

occasion of much discussion, exciting a deep interest. The cause of its equally rapid decline have been a subject of much

speculation and are still of concern to the members of Alcoholics Anonymous who may wonder whether or not their movement

is destined to a similar fate. This article, therefore, will present not merely a description and history of the movement but also

an analysis of the similarities and differences between the Washingtonians and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Since the Washingtonian movement is so intimately linked to the larger temperance movement, it may be well to recall the

developments which preceded 1840. Before the 1830's, "temperance" was hardly a popular cause. Even in 1812, when

Lyman Beecher proposed to his fellow Congregational ministers that they formulate a program for combating intemperance,

"... the regular committee reported that 'after faithful and prayerful inquiry' it was convinced that nothing could be done to

check the growth of intemperance..."(1). The custom of serving liquor at ecclesiastical meetings probably influenced the out-

come of this "prayerful inquiry." But Lyman Beecher was not to be stopped. He headed a new committee that recommended

the following steps:... that district assemblies abstain from the use of ardent spirits (not wine) at ecclesiastical meetings, that

members of churches abstain from unlawful vending or purchase (not from lawful vending and purchase) of liquor, that farm-

ers, mechanics and manufacturers substitute monetary compensation for the ration of spirits, that voluntary (continued on page 5)

WHO WERE THESE GUYS??

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 5

"The lesson to be learned from the Washingtonians was not overlooked by Alcoholics Anonymous. As we

surveyed the wreck of that movement, early AA members resolved to keep our Society out of public controversy." And to a friend

he wrote. "I wish every AA could indelibly burn the history of the Washingtonians into his memory. It is an outstanding example

of how, and how not, we ought to conduct ourselves. In a sense, Alcoholics Anonymous has never had a problem seriously

threatening our overall unity. Yet I notice that some AAs are complacent enough to suppose we never shall."

Bill also recalled the fate of the Washingtonians before 1,500 AAs gathered at the annual banquet in New York City on No-

vember 7, 1945. "In short, the Washingtonians went out to settle the world's affairs before they had learned to manage them-

selves. They had no capacity for minding their own business.... The negatives within them overthrew the positives.“

(Washingtonians) associations aid the civil magistrates to enforce the laws, and that the pamphlet of Dr. Rush (2) be printed and

circulated(1).

The fact that these proposals were regarded as radical by the custodians of the New England conscience is a sufficient clue

to the state of public opinion in 1812. It was not until 1825 that Lyman Beecher preached his famous Six Sermons (3), in which

he defined intemperance not merely as drunkenness but as the "daily use of ardent spirits." In 1826, in Boston, Beecher and

Justin Edwards spearheaded the founding of the first national society, "The American Society for the Promotion of Temper-

ance" (American Temperance Society) which sought, according to its constitution, "...to produce such a change of public senti-

ment, and such a renovation of the habits of individuals and the customs of the community, that in the end temperance, with all

its attendant blessings, may universally prevail (4)."

The temperance movement began to take hold. In 1829 there were about 1,000 societies with a membership of approxi-

mately 100,000. By 1834 there were 5,000 local societies claiming 11000,000 members, a gain of 500 per cent in 5 years. A

temperance press had been established. Effective literature had emerged. Politicians were taking notice. In 1836 the American

Temperance Society was merged into the new and more inclusive "American Temperance Union," which decided to take the

stand of "total abstinence from all that can intoxicate (5)."

This step required an entirely new orientation. It is therefore not surprising that some 2,000 societies and countless individu-

als were not ready to go along. Many wealthy contributors, unwilling to forgo wine, withdrew their support. Some leaders were

discouraged by the resistance to the new pledge and became inactive. Various controversial issues added to the dissension.

The movement fell upon lean years. Its leaders, in 1840, were wondering what could be done to restore the momentum of the

years preceding 1836. Their efforts were groping and limited.

As for the alcoholic, it was the prevailing opinion, up to 1840, that nothing could be done to help him. Occasionally a

"drunkard" did "reform," but this did not erase the general pessimism as to the possibility of rehabilitating drunkards. Since alco-

hol was held to be the "cause" of alcoholism, the temperance movement was aimed solely at keeping the nonalcoholic from be-

coming an alcoholic. This implied indifference to the alcoholic was epitomized by Justin Edwards in 1822: "Keep the temperate

people temperate; the drunkards will soon die, and the land be free (6)." Thus the stage was set for the emergence of the

Washingtonian movement. https://www.silkworth.net/pages/washingtonians/the_washingtonian_movement_introduction.php

How Some Basic AA Ideas

Were Tried Out: An AA friend re-

cently dropped by with a tattered volume,

nearly a century old, called "Six Nights

With the Washingtonians." He said,

“Thought we might like to look through it,

see how close drunks had come to hitting

on AA that long before 1935.” We began

to read.

In the spring of 1840, the author, T. S.

Arthur, relates, “there were assembled in

a drinking-house in this city (Baltimore)

six men, well advanced in years, who had

for a long time been confirmed drunkards,

so wedded to the love of strong drink as

to have found it almost impossible to live

without daily resort to it." Though they

met accidentally, and had gone there to

drink, there was, that day, "in the mind of

each a strong desire to get out of his en-

slaved and wretched condition." They

talked. "Soon the feelings of each be-

came known to the others, and they felt a

sudden hope spring up in their minds-a

hope in the power of association. Sad

experience had proven to each that alone

he could not stand. But together . . . they

would conquer!" They organized a socie-

ty, called The Washington Temperance

Society, and "determined that they would

increase in number."

What happened? By an AA

"coincidence" there arrived at the Grape-

vine the same week an excerpt from a

scholarly treatment of "The Washingtoni-

an Movement" written by Milton A. Max-

well, Ph.D. and published in the Quarterly

Journal of Studies on Alcohol. The Wash-

ingtonians, Dr. Maxwell points out, had

certain notable features later incorporated

into AA: (1 ) Alcoholics helping each oth-

er (2) Weekly meetings (3) Shared expe-

rience (4) Fellowship of a group or its

members constantly available (5) A reli-

ance upon the Higher Power (6) Total

abstinence from alcohol. Unfortunately,

the movement eventually was torn apart

in the political and doctrinal warfare asso-

ciated with the temperance and abolition

movements.

Also, The Washingtonians lacked vi-

tally important features of AA, among

which Dr. Maxwell lists: (1) a program for

personality change (2) anonymity (3) a

steady flow of new ideas into the groups

from outside their local memberships,

and (4) avoidance of causes and contro-

versies. Dr. Maxwell sounds a solemn

warning as to the vital importance of una-

bated, energetic Twelfth Step work:

"Whenever, and as long as, the Washing-

tonians were working hard at the recla-

mation of drunkards, they had notable

success and the movement thrived and

grew. This would support the idea that

active outreach to other alcoholics is a

factor in therapeutic success, and a nec-

essary condition for growth-and even for

survival." https://www.silkworth.net/pages/

washingtonians/w_basic_aa_ideas_were_tried_out.php

https://www.silkworth.net/pages/washingtonians/a_reminder_and_a_warning.php

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 6

“For our group pur-

pose there is but

one ultimate author-

ity… a loving God

as He may express

Himself in our group

conscience. Our

leaders are but

trusted servants…

they do not govern.”

THE SECOND TRADITION A.A. is both a democracy and, in Bill W.’s words, “a

benign anarchy.” A group elects its own officers—

who have no power to order anybody to do any-

thing. In most groups, most of the slate rotates out

of office at the end of six months, and new officers

are elected. If a group wants to be a part of the

whole A.A. service structure, it elects a G.S.R.

(general service representative, with a two-year

term). G.S.R.s elect area com-

mittee members and then join

them in electing a delegate from

their area to the annual General

Service Conference. The Con-

ference is about the closest ap-

proximation of a government that

A.A. has; it produces opinions on

important matters of policy; it ap-

proves the choice of some trustee nominees

for the General Service Board and directly

elects others. But neither the Conference nor

the board can give orders to any group or

member. Then who’s in charge around here?

A.A. is a spiritual movement, and so the

“ultimate authority” is the spiritual concept of

the “group conscience.” Its voice is heard

when a well-informed group gathers to arrive at a

decision. The result rests on more than arithmetic,

a “yes” and “no” count. Minority ideas get thoughtful

attention. What about that annoying character

who’s always sure she’s right. If she’s wrong, then

she will—if she remembers the First Tradition as

well as the Second—go along with the decision of

the group conscience. Does this notion seem too

cloudy? Let’s think back to our first meetings. The

presence we newcomers felt in those rooms was

the same as the group conscience. And it was re-

al—welcoming us in, setting up no barriers of rules.

https://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/p-

43_thetwelvetradiillustrated.pdf

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 7

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

Kim S. 23yr

Drunks ‘R’

Us

Gordon M.

37yr KISS

3

Sam T. 29yr

Brown Bag

Jimmy S.

14yr Begin-

ners At Noon

4 5

RC 1yrs.

Patuxent Riv-

er Group

6 7

Kelly S.

1yrs. Cove

Point

8

Eileen M.,

20yr, King-

ston Creek

Ann G.

21yrs. We

Wuz Wurz

9

Jamie Q., 2

yrs. @ ODAAT

10

Matt A., 2

yr, Mount

Harmony

11

Brian G., 1

yr, Sunder-

land

12

Rebecca L.,

1yr, Do Drop

Inn

13 14

Dan H. 1yrs.

Clean Air

15

Mary W.,

12yr, Ear-

ly Risers

16

Ann W.

13yrs. Solo-

mons Group

17

Michelle T.,

6yr, More

Will Be Re-

vealed

Ruby R., 13

18

Dave M., 6

yr, Sunder-

land

19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26

Carole W.,

4yr, Do Drop

Inn

Paul M.,

30yr, Patux-

ent River

Group

27 28

Michelle Y.,

1yr, Not

Quite Right

29

February 2020

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 8

1

Ben L. 6yrs.

Kiss Group

2 3

Mia F. 1yrs.

231 Group

4 5 6 7

8

Charlie D.

23yrs. Kiss

Group

9

Bill H. 1yrs.

More Will Be

Revealed

David H. 5yrs.

Monday Night

Traditions

10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17

John O.

12yrs.

Lexington

Park Group

18 19 20 21

Trish D.

3yrs.

Saturday

Serenity

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29

Bob E. 26yrs.

Solomons

Group

30 31

March 2020

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 9

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 10

WHAT’S UP WITH THE MONEY? Members cele-

brate sobriety by giving time, energy and money in support of our Twelfth Step—carrying the message—the basic service that the A.A. Fellowship offers. Members assure that group expenses are paid by putting money into the basket passed at each meeting. It is each member’s responsibil-ity to support the services that have been requested by the A.A. Fellow-ship, to help facilitate A.A.’s vital Twelfth Step. Contributions are made in a spirit of sacrifice, and they honor A.A.’s code of “love and service.” Contributions also underscore the spiritual nature of our Fellowship and our mutual love and trust. We have found that these contributions are as important to each member as they are to the service centers supported.

Question: Is it our group’s responsibility to reimburse service workers for their expenses? Answer: Each group, district, area or ser-vice committee is autono-mous, and each has different needs and resources. While it is up to the group con-science, many members seem to agree that no one should be excluded from service because of finances. Some service workers’ pay out of their own pockets, while others are reimbursed.

Question: Why do A.A. groups support A.A.’s es-sential services? Answer: Because the services benefit all A.A. groups. Our Seventh Tradition states that “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”

Question: Our group is planning a party to celebrate its anniver-sary. Can we use Seventh Tradi-tion funds to pay for the decora-tions and food? Answer: Most members understand that their 7th Tradition contributions will be used to pay group expenses and 12 Step work. Parties, aren’t generally regarded as 12 Step work. Some members dig deeper into their pockets, others pass a second basket. It ‘s the group’s decision and neither course conflicts with the 7th Tradition.

Question: Doesn’t all A.A. money go into one pot? When we contribute to central office (intergroup), isn’t our mon-ey distributed to the area, district and General Service Board (for G.S.O. operations)? Answer: Each A.A. entity — group, district, area, central or intergroup office, and G.S.O. — provides a specific service and is autonomous. Separate contributions need to be sent to each entity.

Question: Our treasurer just ran off with the money. What should we do? Answer: Unfor-tunately, this sort of thing, though rare, does occur. Though legal action is always an op-tion, most groups avoid it. In some cases, the person who stole the money will resurface and return it.

Question: After covering our group’s expenses, we have very little money left. Isn’t it embarrassing to send what seem to be just nickels and dimes? Answer: The General Service Confer-ence has emphasized that it’s not concerned about the amount each group contributes, but that each group contribute something. “It is a spiritual obligation to participate by contrib-uting.”

Question: Why have these rules changed and why must we do this? Answer: Tax rules are always evolving and will probably always continue to do so. Not-for-profit organi-zations (mostly charities) have received a lot of atten-tion in the past few years, in part because some organiza-tions abused the rules and were operating for the person-al benefit of certain individuals who controlled the organiza-tions.

Question: Our landlord has asked us to provide our own liability insurance. Can G.S.O. help? Answer: No. G.S.O.’s liability insurance cannot be extended to cover local groups. A.A. groups are autonomous, and are not subsidiaries of G.S.O. Some groups coop-erate with the facility where they meet by purchasing a “rider” to the facility’s liabil-ity insurance policy. The group might consult a local insurance agent or attorney about liability matters.

Question: What is the Reserve Fund? An-swer: The Reserve Fund is G.S.O.’s pru-dent reserve. Its pur-pose is to provide the financial resources to continue essential ser-vices of G.S.O. and the A.A. Grapevine for up to a year in the event of an unexpected reduction in normal revenues.

https://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/contributions-and-self-support/mg-15-finance

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 11

General Service Office P.O. Box 459 Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163

Maryland General Service Inc.

PO BOX 8043

Elkridge, MD 21075

Southern Maryland Intergroup (SMIA) P.O. Box 767 Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

District 1 Trust Fund (Calvert) P.O. Box 234 Barstow, MD 20610

District 35 (Charles) P.O. Box 1981 La Plata, MD 20646

District 36 (St. Mary’s) P.O. Box 1334 California, MD 20619

WHERE DO WE SEND

OUR DONATIONS?

1) All donations can be made online:

http://www.somdintergroup.org/donate.php

2) Or they can be mailed to the appropriate office:

ATTENTION GROUP

TREASURERS

*Remember to include the 6-digit GSO Group Number on all corre-spondence to Maryland General Service.

We are self-

supporting

through our own

contributions.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 12

The primary purpose of AA is to

help the alcoholic who still suffers.

The only requirement for membership

is a desire to stop drinking. Yet for

alcoholics who are nonbelievers,

some AA groups are less than wel-

coming. Some of this behavior has

occurred at the organizational level,

such as when leaders refuse to list or

attempt to delist secular meetings.

Other actions occur in meetings - one

member recounts a meeting where

the “Chapter to the Agnostic” was re-

ferred to as the “Chapter to the Ob-

noxious.” Some behavior can be ex-

tremely harmful, i.e., telling newcom-

ers that they will never get sober – or

worse, that they will die – unless they

believe in God.

The majority of AA members sin-

cerely wish to be of service to others.

Because we believe that building

bridges serves the fellowship better

than building walls, secular AA mem-

bers from across North America have

contributed ideas on how to work with

alcoholics who are nonbelievers.

Why does it matter how AA

treats secular members? The

ability to incorporate diverse view-

points is important to keep AA rele-

vant as society changes. According to

Pew Research, 16 percent of the US

population identify as Agnostic, Athe-

ist, or say that religion is unimportant

to them. In contrast, the percentage

who say that they are Christian has

dropped by eight percentage points

since 2007. This is partly because

society is becoming more secular and

partly because it is becoming more

religiously diverse.

In Europe, these numbers are

much higher. For example, in the UK,

53% of the population are nonbeliev-

ers. This is why AA meetings in Eu-

rope are much less evangelical than

in the US and are less likely to close

with the Lord´s Prayer.

What can AA members do to

build bridges across belief sys-

tems? First, understand that toler-

ance does not imply a lack of commit-

ment to one’s own beliefs. The secu-

lar path in AA is simply a different

path with the same goal: recovery

from alcoholism. Acceptance also

does not mean one cannot express

his or her own beliefs. However, it

does mean refraining from undermin-

ing or attacking the beliefs of others,

especially when it drives someone

away from the program. Shana L

writes, “When I got sober the first

time, I was accosted in the parking lot

of my work place by an AA member

who told me I could “never get sober

without God.” This man’s statement

and the inappropriate place where it

occurred made me feel unwelcome

and were big reasons why I decided I

didn’t belong in the program.”

We all need to step up if members

are abusive to those with different be-

liefs, as silence implies consent. Tom

G. puts it evocatively: “Treat all peo-

ple with love and respect. Let them

find their way. Let them search until

the transformation takes place and

they find freedom from their suffer-

ing.” Karen M. writes, “When I say

that I’m a non-theist (atheist or agnos-

tic), believe me. Assume that I am just

as strong in my non-belief in a deity

as you are in your belief in one.”

Jim M. says, “Understand that we

atheists, agnostics, and others al-

ready have a belief system that has to

be respected and put into context

when talking about sobriety.”

Do Secular AA members want to

ban talk about a Higher Power?

No. Libby L. says, “I don’t expect

them to change the whole program

because that’s just silly, but don´t tell

me that I’m going to fail the program

because I don’t pray to God.” Richie

L says, “I certainly do not want to ban

deity talk . . . In my experience, many

in my fellowship say that their beliefs

are their own and are not intended to

be imposed on anyone else...The

keywords in AA are sobriety and re-

covery, not heaven and hell.”

In October, 2016, the Grapevine

published an edition of stories of ag-

nostic and atheist members. Many

have decades of experience to share

- secular member John H. has over

five decades of sobriety. Dale K.

writes that asking a secular member

how he or she stays sober is “an indi-

cation that they accept me as I am

and are showing respect... It’s a pretty

big compliment that somebody wants

to know how you stay sober.”

How should members in the

program work with Secular new-

comers? Maria B. writes, “What I

wish someone had told me when I

was a newcomer: It’s ok if you believe

in nothing at all, or something outside

of mainstream religious beliefs, or if

you are still questioning. No matter

what your persuasion, you can get

and stay sober. You can also — if you

choose to — work the steps as an

atheist or agnostic.” Realize that

some secular members may choose

not to participate in prayers and read-

ings that run counter to their beliefs.

Jim M. says, “Don’t ask us or place us

into a position where we are forced to

act in a way counter to our belief

HOW TO TALK TO AN ATHEIST OR AN AGNOSTIC

(continued on page 13)

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 13

(How to talk…) system. This alienates people. At times, sec-

ular members have been asked to lead the Lord´s Prayer

when the meeting chair was fully aware of their atheist or

agnostic beliefs.

Can someone who believes in God sponsor

someone who doesn´t? Sure. Robert K. writes, “I’m

grateful that my sponsor suggested taking what I can use

and leaving the rest. No judgement, just learning a new

way of thinking. Try it. If it works, use it. If it doesn’t,

move on to something else.” Maria B. advises, “Look for

the people who nurture and support you. I looked for

someone who was open-minded, kind, respectful, and

loving. I could not find any atheists or agnostics in my

area when I was looking. My sponsor is a Christian, but

she has all of these characteristics and is very support-

ive.”

How do you explain how the program works to a

Secular newcomer? John C. says, “Explain the his-

tory of the AA program, how it started with religious roots.

Explain that going to meetings, getting a sponsor, writing

and sharing an inventory, making amends, and being of

service is a process that leads to a change in attitude

and perception. That process in itself is a power greater

than our self/ego. Explain that some call it a spiritual pro-

cess, some say it is God, but you can call it whatever you

want. The point is that everyone in AA goes through this

process and the results are the same no matter what an-

yone believes or doesn’t believe - it allows us to live so-

ber. The power is in the process.”

What kinds of resources are available for secular

members? There are thousands of secular members

in AA who can provide support for others by identifying

themselves in meetings, answering questions, providing

secular meeting information, suggesting reading material

and sponsorship. Members who believe in God can

share their experience, show respect, and speak up if

negative comments are made. Living Sober is full of

useful, practical information for newcomers and there’s

less focus on God than in other AA literature. The Alter-

native 12 Steps: A Secular Guide to Recovery shows

how the program can be interpreted and worked by secu-

lar members. Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12

Step Life is a daily reflection book used by many.

How can AA members create an environment

where everyone feels welcome? John L. writes,

“First of all, there is never any reason to be unkind. I

wont beat sobriety into anyone. No scorning, shaming, or

tough love.” Henrik B. says, “I never let God-or-death-by

-bottle comments pass unchallenged. I cut in and say

that long-term sobriety is very much possible without be-

lieving in God. The world is becoming more secular and

more diverse. The ability to incorporate different view-

points is important to keep AA relevant as society chang-

es. This is especially important for attracting younger

members, since AA is “graying” rapidly. Tolerance and

respect are not a luxury; they are a necessity. Ritha F.

https://aabeyondbelief.org/2018/10/21/how-to-talk-to-an-atheist-or-

agnostic/

“...Few indeed are the practicing alcoholics who have any

idea how irrational they are, or seeing their irrationality, can

bear to face it. Some will be willing to term themselves

‘problem drinkers’, but cannot endure the suggestion that

they are in fact mentally ill. They are abetted in this blind-

ness by a world which does not understand the difference

between sand drinking and alcoholism. ‘Sanity’ is defined

as ‘soundness of mind.’ Yet no alcoholic, soberly analyz-

ing his destructive behavior, whether the destruction fell on

the dining-room furniture or his own moral fiber, can claim

‘soundness of mind’ for himself.

Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us. Whether agnostic, atheist, or for-

mer believer, we can stand together on this Step. True humility and an open mind can

lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that God will restore us to sanity

if we rightly relate ourselves to Him.” https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions

STEP TWO:

“Came to believe

that a Power

greater than our-

selves could re-

store us to sanity.”

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 14

February 1: 1918: Original date set for Bill Wilson's marriage to Lois Burnham. The date was moved up because of the war. 1942: Ruth Hock, AA's 1st paid secretary, resigns to get married February 2: 1942: Bill Wilson paid tribute to Ruth Hock, AA's first paid secretary, who resigned to get married. She had written approximately 15,000 letters to people asking for help February 5: 1941: Pittsburgh Telegram ran a story on the first AA group's Friday night meeting of a dozen "former hopeless drunks." February 8: 1940: Bill W., Dr. Bob, and six other AA's asked 60 rich friends of John D. Rockefeller Jr., for money at the Union Club, NY. They got $2,000. February 10: 1922: Harold E. Hughes was born near Ida Grove, Io-wa. After his recovery from alcoholism, he became Governor of Iowa, a United States Senator, and the lead-ing dark horse for the Presidential Democratic nomination in 1972, until he announced he would not run. He au-thored the legislation which created the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and other legislation to help alcoholics and addicts. February 11: 1938: Clarence Snyder ("Home Brewmeister" in 1st, 2nd & 3rd editions) had his last drink. February 12: 1945: World War II paper shortage forced reduction in size of the Big Book. February 13: 1937: Oxford Groups "Alcoholic Squadron" met at the home of Hank Parkhurst ("The Unbeliever" in the 1st edi-tion of the Big Book) in New Jersey. 1940: With about two years of sobriety, Jim Burwell ("The Vicious Cycle") moved to the Philadelphia area and started the first Philadelphia A.A. group. February 14: 1971: AA groups worldwide held a memorial service for Bill Wilson. February 15: 1941: Baltimore Sunday Sun reported that the city's first AA group, begun in June 1940, had grown from 3 to 40

members, five of whom were women. February 18: 1943: AA's were granted the right to use cars for 12th step work in emergency cases, despite gas rationing. February 20: 1941: The Toledo Blade published first of three articles on AA by Seymour Rothman. February 21: 1939: 400 copies of the Big Book manuscript were sent to doctors, judges, psychiatrists, and others for comment. February 22: 1842: Abe Lincoln addressed the Washington Temper-ance Society in Springfield, IL.

February 24: 2002: Hal Marley, "Dr. Attitude of Gratitude," died. He had 37 years of sobriety. Hal testified, anonymously, be-fore the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse on December 3, 1970. Other February events with no specific date: 1938: Rockefeller gave $5,000 to AA. 1939: Dr. Harry Tiebout endorsed AA, the first psychia-trist to do so. 1940: 1st AA clubhouse opened at 334-1/2 West 24th Street, NYC. 1946: The AA Grapevine reported the New York Sea-man's Group issued a pamphlet for seamen "on one page the 12 Steps have been streamlined into 5." 1946: Pueblo. Colorado, had a second group, composed of alcoholic State Hospital patients. 1959: AA granted "Recording for the Blind" permission to

IT HAPPENED

IN FEBRUARY. . .

MEETING UPDATES

•SMIA meeting location changing (see page 3)

•Sunderland Group now meets at 7:30pm

•Bedouin Group now meets at 7:30am

•Happy Hour Group now meets at:

NEW MEETING GUIDES COMING SOON!

Harriet Brown Community Center 901 Dares Beach Road

Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Saturday 7:00pm

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 15

AA is like an adjustable wrench. It fits every nut.

https://wordmint.com/public_puzzles/71036

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 16

Scott C. Bedouin Group

My name is Scott C. I’m 37 years old and my sobriety date is January 17, 2019. I went

through a 12-step rehab program at Carol M. Porto Treatment Center from January 17 - March

6, 2019. Upon my successful departure from treatment, I moved into Sober Living in Lusby,

MD; shortly afterward, I became a home group member of the Bedouin Group @ Phillips

House in Prince Frederick around April 1, 2019. Since joining the group, I’ve held service po-

sitions including Coffee-Maker, Secretary, and Breakfast Coordinator for our “First-Sunday-of-

the- Month-Breakfast Meeting” (held at Phillips House, 10am, 1st Sunday of every month).

As I am only days away from my first ever sober anniversary, I though I would go ahead and

share this brief glimpse into the enigma known as my brain. I owe this program and the peo-

ple I’ve met here everything. On my fourth attempt, I truly surrendered myself to this and I’ve

found peace. From homeless and destitute on the streets of Baltimore, to becoming Director

of Operations for A.C.E. Sober Homes, Breakfast Coordinator for my home group, and a repre-

sentative of this program, carrying our message into the very treatment center from which I

graduated. It works if you work it.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 17

The A.A. Group …Where it all begins

Each group is as unique as a thumbprint,

and approaches to carrying the message

of sobriety vary not just from group to

group but from region to region. Acting

autonomously, each group charts its own

course. The better informed the members,

the stronger and more cohesive the group

— and the greater the assurance that

when a newcomer reaches out for help,

the hand of A.A. always will be there. https://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/p-16_theaagroup.pdf

These groups need support and home group members:

• Beginners At Noon

• Happy Destiny

• Not Quite Right

• Wits End

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 18

The meeting was opened by

Pat S. with the Serenity

Prayer.

New Members and Visi-

tors: Patty (Nanjemoy), Paul

Y. (Smoke Free), Dennis P.

and Scott C. (Bedouin).

Board Members and Com-

mittee Chair Present: Pat

S. Chairperson, Janine G.

Vice Chairperson, Bruce O.

Parliamentarian, Buddy F.

Secretary, Cora W. Treasur-

er, Keith H. Lifeline, John

Miller Gratitude Dinner, Pat

P. Where and When, Bill L.

Webmaster and Keenan W.

Bookstall.

SMIA Chair Report: Pat S.

asked for a volunteer to sub-

mit a Service Biography for

the February Lifeline.

SMIA Vice Chair Report:

Janine G. no report at this

time.

Secretary’s Report: Buddy

F. gave Secretary’s report

for December 2019, Secre-

tary’s report was accepted

as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Cora

W. gave Treasurers report

for December 2019, the

Treasurer’s report was ac-

cepted as read.

SMIA Chair Reports:

Archives: No Report.

Bridging the Gap: No report

Chuck G., is in need for vol-

unteers in the Lexington

Park area if anyone was in-

terested please contact him.

Bookstall: Keenan W. stat-

ed book sales for the month

of December $947.10 Kee-

nan also stated that there

was a purchase of $2,868.63

for the Bookstall. He also

stated he will need volun-

teers for the 2020 Roundup.

Telephone: Emme J. sub-

mitted a report, calls since

12/14/2019 totaled 6 one

looking for a ride 3 wanting

meeting info and 1 wanting

to talk. Emme stated in her

Report that she had call from

the Southern MD Pre Re-

lease requesting for meet-

ings to be brought in to the

facility. A.A. Hotline, New

Caller ID (800-492-0209).

Lifeline: Keith stated things

were going well. Looking for

info on origins/history of local

groups. Also we welcome

Service Bios (600 words or

less, ~ 1/2 page) from any-

one in local AA community

who’d like to share; send

yours today to somdlife-

line@gmail.com. Remember

that Flyers also need to be

maximum 1/2 in size or may

be edited down.

Website: Bill L. stated that

there was an outstanding

payment of $8.71. This must

be paid immediately or the

host will close the site. Bill

stated he changed the Ban-

ner for 2020 and was still

working on the JSON feed

for the meeting guide app.

There were 2,279 visits to

the website down 2% since

December. Most frequent

visited pages were Home,

Where and When Calendar,

Where and When Search,

Minutes and Al-Anon infor-

mation.

Corrections and Treat-

ment: Calvert: Colleen B.

and Fred W. stated all was

going well., Charles: both

groups are doing well need

more lady volunteers St

Mary’s: Kim K. stated he

had 10 men and was doing

well.

PI/CPC: Calvert: Roger M.

relayed a message; things

were going well Charles:

Cindy H. stated things were

going well St. Mary’s: No

report.

Gratitude Dinner: No report.

Serenity Breakfast: No re-

port.

Picnic: No report.

Where and When: Pat P.

provided Where and When’s

for the group, he stated that

it was time to update again.

PLEASE take the time to

check through and look for

any mistakes. Any changes

can be sent to

smia.whereandwhen@somd

a.org. or enter them in the

Web form: http://

www.somdintergroup.org/

smiachange.html Pat will be

doing a reprint of the Where

and When’s in time for the

February SMIA meeting.

Old Business: Cora W. is

still working with the bank to

resolve the issue concerning

our taxes. Pat P. asked

about the issue of not having

the insurance that the

Church requested we have.

According to our treasurer

we do have a policy in effect

to cover what the church re-

quested.

New Business: Pat S. pro-

vided information packets

from Jive Business Phone

Services and quotes for the

cost of a less costly monthly

phone service. She was

able to have a conference

call to one of our fellow

SMIA Groups in Maryland

that use Jive. The group was

able to ask any questions

and were given feed back

from other groups’ experi-

enced with the service. After

the call, group discussion

decided to take the issue

back to their home groups,

then revisit next month for a

possible change in our Hot

Line Service.

Bruce O. stated we need to

make up an Elections Com-

mittee for the upcoming

Election in March. The group

needs to elect a new Chair-

person who should be from

Calvert, also the Parliamen-

tarian and Secretary posi-

tions are also up for new Of-

ficers as well.

For the good of the Order:

Bedouin Group has changed

their meeting time to 7:30

am

Adjournment: The meeting

was adjourned at 11:02 am

with the Responsibility

Pledge.

Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary

SMIA Meeting

Minutes

1/11/20

The terms for the current Intergroup Chairperson, Secretary and Parliamen-tarian are up after the March SMIA meeting. Nominations are being accepted at the February 15 SMIA membership meeting and elections will be held at the March meeting. The first meeting for the newly elected board members will be the April meeting. Please sub-mit nominations to your Homegroup's Intergroup Representative, or via email to smia.parliamentarian@somdaa.org

SERVICE

POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 19

DISTRICT 1 CALVERT COUNTY

District Meeting:

7 PM, 3rd Monday

St. Paul’s Episc.

Church

Prince Frederick,

MD

District 1 Trust Fund

PO Box 234

Barstow, MD 20610

www.calvertaa.org

DISTRICT 35 - CHARLES

COUNTY

OPEN SERVICE POSI-

TIONS:

• Communications Chair

• Grapevine Rep

District Meeting:

7 PM, 1st Thurs-

day

Peace Lutheran Church

Waldorf MD

PO Box 1981, La Plata, MD

20646

DISTRICT 36 -

ST. MARY'S

COUNTY

District Meeting: 6:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday

@ Hollywood Rescue Squad Bldg., Hollywood

PO Box 1334, California, MD 20619

HEADS UP!!!

The terms for the current Intergroup Chairperson, Secretary and Parliamentarian are up after the March SMIA meeting. Nomina-tions are being accepted at the February 15 SMIA membership

meeting and elections will be held at the March meeting. The first meeting for the newly elected board members will be the April 11, 2020 meeting. Please submit nominations to your Homegroup's

Intergroup Representative, or by email to smia.parliamentarian@somdaa.org

SERVICE

POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

CO-CHAIRS NEEDED

FOR

SERVICE COMMITTEES

JOIN US @ NEXT MTG:

FEBRUARY 15, 10AM

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 20

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP ASSOCIATION

CHAIR: Pat S.

VICE CHAIR: Jeanine W.

SECRETARY: Buddy F.

TREASURER: Cora W.

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Bruce O.

Where & When: Pat P.

Lifeline: Keith H.

Telephone: Emme J.

Website: Bill L.

Bookstall: Keenan W.

The Lifeline is an unofficial newsletter published by Southern Mar-

yland Intergroup Association, Inc. Any opinions expressed are those

of the writers. They are not endorsed by SMIA, any group or AA as

a whole. Group secretaries and individuals are encouraged to send

group news, anniversaries and events. Material may be edited for

space and content. Please send all Lifeline correspondence to:

somdlifeline@gmail.com

THE DEADLINE FOR ALL LIFELINE SUBMISSIONS IS THE 27th

OF EACH MONTH.

Please send any updates for the Where & When to:

smia.whereandwhen@somdaa.org.

Current meeting guides are available at the

monthly SMIA meeting on a limited basis.

“Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern.”

Our primary purpose is to help

the still suffering alcoholic.

SMIA is committed to this prin-

ciple and provides a 24x7 Tele-

phone Service. We need

phone volunteers! Go to our

website,

www.somdintergroup.org.

Click on the Phone List link, complete the online form -

this is a secure method to add your name to the 12-

Step Call List. This protected information is only

shared with the Phone Committee Chair. You will be

amazed before you’re half way through.

SMIA PHONE REPORT

FEBRUARY 2020

County Want to

Talk Need a Ride

Meeting Info

Other* Total Calls

Calvert 2 2

Charles 1 1 2

St. Mary’s 5 2 2 9

Not Speci-fied

1 3 1 5

Total Calls 9 3 3 3 18

RECOVERY.

You must be present

to win.

WHAT DO WE WANT?

Do we want more of what brought us to AA?... We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn't control our emotional na-

tures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn't make a living, we had a feeling

of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn't seem to be of real help

to other people—was not a basic solution of these bedevilments more important ... ?

2nd, 3rd, and 4th edition Big Book page 52

... or do we want what practicing the principles of AA promises? If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we

are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word

serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will

see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self pity will

disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-

seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people

and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations

which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could

not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being ful-

filled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we

work for them. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th edition Big Book page 83 & 84

“Let us always love the best

in others - and never fear

their worst.” Bill Wilson, The Language of the Heart

A southern Baptist minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

The sermon complete, he sat down.

The song leader stood very cau-tiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, ‘Shall We Gather at the River.’"

http://www.aalondon.org/Humour3.html