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Willing to Believe

We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, in a Power greater than myself?" As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way.   --ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS  p. 47

When I arrived at my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, I was full of self recriminations and ripe for the picking. I was late for the meeting but somehow right on time. I heard just what I needed to hear and I was certain I found my answer. As far as I was concerned, I took the first, second, and third steps that first night. I figured out and accepted that I was alcoholic. I, immediately, became willing to believe in a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. And I made the decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood Him.

I was, indeed, on my way. I cannot stress it enough, this has served me well. Even facing a life of progressive paralysis and terminal illness. I don't have to drink. I don't have to freak out.
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Location: University of Washington Medical Center, University of Washington, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

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