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HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

9/28/2021

5 Comments

 
Picture
Thank you for my recovery. I owe my life to you, the twelve-step program of Overeaters Anonymous, and my Higher Power.

I thank my Higher Power every day for this amazing life that has unfolded before me. I thank the program by working the steps, practicing these principles in all of my affairs and stepping up for service whenever I hear the soft whisper of my Higher Power.

It first started as my heart pounding during a meeting, which my sponsor said was HP prompting me to share. Then no one was willing to take the key for the meeting that I desperately needed. (Remember when we all met in person?) That was HP creating the willingness to do a little bit more. Thank you for being the kind and loving sponsor that my HP knew I needed to work the Steps.
 
HP spoke through a newcomer who saw something in me that she wanted, so I started to sponsor. I was slowly led to take on more and more responsibility with each new service opportunity. HP used all of you to show me that I am someone who is trustworthy and to challenge me to grow.
 
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for greeting me at the door as if I was a dear friend and asking me my name. Thank you for asking me to read the promises from the Big Book, a reading that I had never heard before that touched my heart as if it was written just for me. Thank you for asking me to make coffee and heat the water for tea.

Thank you for taking the time to tell me to be gentle with myself after I shared about a disappointing misstep. Thank you for calling me when I stopped showing up to my regular meeting. Thank you for asking me to speak at your meeting. Thank you for asking me to be your sponsor. Thank you for asking me to represent our meeting at Intergroup. Thank you for attending Intergroup! And Region One Assembly. And WSBC.
 
Thank you – all of you – for loving me until I could love myself; for believing in my abilities when I thought I had none. For sticking with me when I was sure my way was the path I needed to be on. I would not be alive today if you had not been in my life.

​When you chose to attend the meeting instead of isolating, you helped me. When you made that outreach call, you helped me. When you planned that OA event, you furthered my recovery. When you shared your heart and your truth, you helped me open my heart and speak my truth. When you showed me your imperfections, you gave me the courage to share mine and know that I am still loved.
 
I have no doubt whatsoever that OA saved my life. This fellowship. Each and every one of you, regardless of where you are in your own recovery journey, have the power to save a life. Thank you for saving mine.
 
Alice W. - Region One

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE LAST NAMES IN BLOG POST COMMENTS
5 Comments
Nadine
9/28/2021 02:20:08 pm

Alice! Your post brought tears to my eyes. It was breathtaking to read! Thank you for the reminder that a life of misery and pain has been spared because of OA!

Reply
Lesley K
9/28/2021 02:46:55 pm

Thank you Alice for reminding me that every bit of service I do can help someone's recovery. Attitude of gratitude and acceptance!

Reply
Paula Z
9/29/2021 09:34:36 am

Thank you, Alice, for sharing your gratitude for OA and the recovery that your HP and the Steps have give you. This Blog is an inspiration for anyone who is struggling in program and a reminder of why and how they have found serenity and abstinence for anyone who has been given the gift of recovery.

Reply
Beverly
9/29/2021 11:38:27 pm

When I think of all who have lent their time, experience, strength and hope to me in my recovery I feel such gratitude. My first meeting was just one other person, but that person showed up on a rainy night, put out the sign, set up the room and held a meeting for me. Thank you for helping me get started in OA. Thank you, Alice, for your wonderful blog post.

Reply
Jean M
10/10/2021 08:51:09 am

The first service I experience in OA was J coming to unlock the door to let me in. Then she hugged me. Two firsts for me. I am so thankful for the service, and sharing, of all the members of this fellowship. I thank God OA did not save my life. I did not have a life worth saving. The combination of God, 12 steps, OA gave me a life worth living. That could only have happened because of a commitment to serve. Thank you Alice for sharing your experience, strength and hope.

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