Today is the 82 birthday of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Truly, a cause for celebration. But it wasn’t always so for two men, Bill and Dr. Bob, struggling in their disease.
Guilt. Depression. Hopelessness engulfed them. Something had to change, and change it did!
On June 10, 1935, Dr. Bob had his last drink and so began the first step on a journey to healing, and a healthier way of life for millions who suffer from addictions.
Who was Dr. Bob?
If you are a friend of Bill W., then you know Dr. Bob. If not, the following two-minute video will give you an honest insight into the hope Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson gave to the world when they co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935.
Did you notice the video ended with a voiceover? “And you do what you can to make things better.” Sure sounds like the 12th Step to me.
June 4 was also an important date for those who practice any 12-step program. As a Pennsylvanian who lived five miles from Pennsburg, June 4th was the birthday of Pennsburg native Dr. Frank Buckman, a Lutheran minister associated with the Oxford Group.
What is the Oxford Group?
The origins of Alcoholics Anonymous can be traced to the Oxford Group . . . Members of the Oxford Group practiced a formula of self-improvement by performing self-inventory, admitting wrongs, making amends, using prayer and meditation, and carrying the message to others.
Hence, Pennsylvania’s contribution to the 12 Steps.
Regardless of where we live my friends, when we walk the steps together we are in very good company.
So—join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths. It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here(Proverbs 2:20-21 MSG).
