Member: Adam H.
Location: Nagano, JAPAN
Date: 5/27/2002
Time: 5:46:45 AM
Adam, alcoholic.
I like the long form of this tradition that talks about the group being a spiritual entity...it reminds me that the message we carry is from a Power Greater than us. So what is the message that we carry to the alcoholic who still suffers? I believe it's: "The Steps work." I mean, think about it...at every meeting we get together and talk about how we are each practicing these principles (aka, the steps) in all our affairs. There are a lot of other ways for people to get sober, and some of them may be like AA in the sense that people who want to stay sober group togethr and share experience strength and hope. However, AA is different because it has the Steps...
Grateful to be sober.
Member: Donnie M (D.O.S. 3-1-99)
Location: Short Gap, W.Va.
Date: 5/27/2002
Time: 9:58:02 AM
I CAN`T WE CAN. May God help us and we may never have to live in Hell again.
Member: Ald
Location: Oregon
Date: 5/27/2002
Time: 8:14:30 PM
It is a "WE" program. We must help those out there that ask for our help as we have received.
Member: dean
Location: sac ca
Date: 5/27/2002
Time: 11:22:02 PM
we have but one purpose to carry its message. in the 12th step we carry THIS message which is the 12 steps
Member: Natasha H
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date: 5/28/2002
Time: 1:38:51 AM
This step reminds me of the old adage that "To keep what we have, we must give it away." I think of how many time have I heard that from my sponsor, during meetings, and just in conversations over coffee. But how true it is. To me, this step sets forth simply and clearly the purpose that should guide every AA meeting and group -- to carry our message to the alcoholic who still suffers! I am grateful beyond words that AA's message was brought to me and that AA continues to carry this message to all who can benefit from it.
Member: Penny H
Location: Canada
Date: 5/28/2002
Time: 7:58:21 AM
As I read this tradition I was reminded once again that the main function of our group is to be there for the still suffering alcoholic. We lose sight of this sometimes to be honest. We're organizing cakes, hockey pools and social events- talking among ourselves of our lives and plans- forgetting, hey we're here to stay sober!!!- to reach out and help those that are still hurting- its not about me- its about we!! Thats the primary purpose of our group- I needed the reminder. Staying sober and sane for today!!!
Member: Von G
Location: England
Date: 5/28/2002
Time: 8:02:58 AM
I need help, spoiling my life and my husbands by using alchol, I have been drinking to much for a long time and realise I have a problem ,started drinking to sleep it did help at first, it helps no longer, I don't know what to do
Member: FrankD
Location: NJ
Date: 5/28/2002
Time: 10:35:56 AM
((Von)) Asking for help is the first step, and you've started that, way to go.
You will get many more replies if you post on the "coffee pot" portion of this website.
These folks helped me, and can help you too, if you really want it. Don't take the first drink and you can't get drunk. Find a local AA meeting near you and go. You will be welcomed. Keep coming back, we care.
Frank
Member: Melissa R.
Location: Ohio
Date: 5/28/2002
Time: 11:54:51 AM
(von) congrats on asking for help. It takes alot of courage to do so. For me it was nothing short of a miracle that I ever asked. Get to your nearest meeting as soon as possible. I went to the Clinic here in Ohio and boldly told them I wasn't leaving the building without help..it worked.
I've tried to carry this message to the alcoholic who is still sick, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But at least, like the BB says, I planted the seed. It makes me sad if they don't listen, but I didn't listen for 20 yrs. It's all in God's hands. We want to help everyone, they just don't understand how good it feels to be sober. If we could only give them 5 minutes of how we've been feeling..........boy they'd be breaking the AA doors down (lol)
Member: Jim F
Location: Guilin, China
Date: 5/28/2002
Time: 4:40:48 PM
5th Tradition on the 5th Anniversary of Staying Cyber -- nice timing!
I was finally able to settle into AA when I heard someone say that you could use the group as your higher power for as long as you needed to. I did and I stayed.
The whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts when it comes to AA.
The first time I asked for help was when I phoned my sponsor-to-be to be my sponsor (I could not ask him face-to-face because I knew he would say no). He didn't. Thanks, Wayne.
Jim from Sequim
Member: Alex U.
Location: St Paul MN
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 1:19:32 AM
A speaker at a meeting once said "I get drunk, but we stay sober." We have all recieved this great gift from God. The choice whether to drink or not and the ability to help others find a way to get that choice back in their lives.
My experience is that this gift was given to all of us. And like Natasha said you have to give it to keep it. If I try to judge who deserves to be sober and who I should help, my program suffers.
The fact is, the fellowship was there when I was hopeless and it gave me hope and I would like to continue that.
I am grateful to be sober today and to be able to find a little corner of serenity here in this crazy world.
Keep it simple and lotsa love Alex from St Paul
Member: Jack B
Location: Palo Alto, Pa
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 2:16:01 AM
Hi, I am Jack, a real alcoholic.The fifth tradition simply means: I am responsible.When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A A always to be there, and for that: I am responsible. Thanks for allowing me to share and God Bless.
Member: Michael B.
Location: AZ
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 2:40:30 AM
Hi! My name is Michael, and I am a recovering alcoholic and addict, sober today only by the Grace of God and the fellowship. Thanks for the sincere shares. Welcome newcomers!
Singleness of purpose--it's the best way to avoid controversy and the possible disintegration of an AA group or even AA as a whole.
Member: FrankD
Location: NJ
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 8:38:46 AM
Thank God for the fifth tradition. I'm glad AA is here, I have benefited greatly. I will be grateful for the privledge of carrying on this tradition.
Member: Bobbye E.
Location: McKinney, TX
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 11:22:58 AM
Hey yall! All my life is wanted a purpose. AA and this tradition gave me that purpose that was and still is my hearts desire. To me the alcoholic that still suffers is usually that individual on either side during the prayer at the end of the meeting. Like me earnestly seeking relief and peace.
Staying Cyber was my life line when at 10 years clean and sober my house burned down. This group and the ongoing meetings gave me the touchstone of solutions and the comfort of one alcoholic understanding and providing hope that the feelings won't kill us and that the feelings will pass, and you made it through a similar situation with out having to change your sobriety date so I can as well.
The meetings I attend are my safe place to land, where I am not alone and I find God as I understand God in your words of experience strength and hope. One day at a time. Love yall.
Member: Carrie K.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 5:42:33 PM
Carrie, alcoholic, thankful for those who held me, and carried me thru the first insane year in sobriety. They carried their message to me, every day I went to the meeting, every day I saw them on the street, at the store, at the bank, alcoholics were there for me, each and every day, nurturing me and sharing with me how this awesome program works. I am forever grateful to all of AA, around the world.
Member: Sarah
Location: NW USA
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 7:32:00 PM
Tradition Five "Each group has buut one primary purpose-to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."
Bill's story ... on p. 16 of Alcoholics Anonyomous "Each day my friend's simple talk in ou kitchen multiplies itself in a widening circle of peace on earth and good will to men."
800 visits per day, Five Continentst Thank you and Happy Birthday Staying Cyber.
Member: Shirley T
Location: New Zealand
Date: 5/29/2002
Time: 11:42:03 PM
Tradition five is so important for us all to remember. My home group always concludes a meeting by saying together the Toronto declaration 'I am resposible.....'This reminds us all of our primary purpose. To ensure that is always so let us all make sure that no newcomer ever attends a meeting and feels left out. They may never come again. Happy Birthday to Staying Cyber and a big thank you to those responsible. I only discovered the site last week so can now attend a meeting any time I wish. What a gift! I am grateful to my loving God for my sobriety and to the AA family for helping me stay that way. Thank you all.
Member: Anne S
Location: NY
Date: 5/30/2002
Time: 7:51:54 AM
(Von) Don't give up - get to a meeting; I'm new at this too and was PETRIFIED to go to my first meeting, but everyone was/is wonderful there. I cried for days between my last drunk and my first meeting; after the first meeting I was able to stop crying. You can do it!!
(All) I have not yet begun to work the steps (except I guess Step 1), but I am grateful for this step because it is comforting and necessary for me to talk to other alcoholics, to help me through this.
Thanks!
Member: AnilG
Location: Mt Vernon,IL
Date: 5/30/2002
Time: 8:42:46 AM
I am anil I am an alcoholic and an addict.I know that I CAN`T WE CAN. May God help us and we may never have to live in Hell again.thanks to aa and alanon.
Member: DIANE L
Location: UTICA, N.Y.
Date: 5/30/2002
Time: 9:19:04 PM
HI, I'M DIANE AND ANN ALCHOLIC I'VE BEEN SOBER FOR ALMOST 19 YEARS, JUST GOT A COMPUTER AND THOUGHT I WOULD TRY MY HAND AT THIS. THE 5TH TRADITION, I DON'T KNOW WHERE I WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHOUT IT, I TRIED DOING IT ALONE AND COULDN'T STAY SOBER. IF AA HAD SAID YOU HAVE TO HAVE STOPPED DRINKING OR BEFORE YOUR FIRST MEETING, I'D BE DEAD BY NOW. YOU PEOPLE CARRIED ME WHEN I COULDN'T CARRY MYSELF. I DON'T KNOW IF I WAS WILLING, BUT I SURE HAD THE DESIRE. TAKE IT FROM ME, FOR SOME OF YOU FOLKS OUT THERE IT IS WORTH IT. I HAVE SEEN MANY PEOPLE COME AND GO, AND I GUESS THEY REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO STOP DIANE L. IN UTICA, N.Y
Member: JL
Location: The Beach
Date: 5/30/2002
Time: 10:38:44 PM
Whether here on line or at a meeting I try to make sure I am carrying the message. I do my best to keep sharing about alcoholism and the solutions I have found. It's so easy to get off track with other life issues once I got sober that sometimes I forget the primary purpose of the group. Those that still suffer could be newcomers or oldtimers, we all need to hear the message on a regular basis.
Happy Birthday to Staying Cyber
Member: Stacey K.
Location: Pac NW
Date: 5/31/2002
Time: 1:36:24 AM
I'm pretty new to recovery but entirely committed. Starting to struggle with the idea of a higher power...well, not really. I have always felt comfort and power in comradeship. Here we are...trying to stay sober and trying to like it. I have to admit that when I leave a meeting I feel like part of a club...these people like...love me!!! That is the fifth traditon for me. Carry the message to those that still suffer!!! It doesn't mean the sufferer is still drinking necessarily. The sober person can be suffering on any particular day and what you say (whether you are clean or not) may be the piece of the puzzle that is needed that moment.
I found this lovely website months before I checked into treatment and I think if it hadn't been for this site I may not have heard what I needed to hear before I did that. I congratulate this site on it's anniversary and hope it's here for me through my journey. I will continue to let others know you are here for us. Bless you all, techs and people just like me!!!!!
Member: Stew E
Location: FL
Date: 5/31/2002
Time: 7:16:30 AM
If you haven't yet, check out http://www.stayingcyber.org/scarchive/cm052597.htm
at the top abou the first meeting every. 25 yrs, 27 yrs sobriety. Thanks to those who pioneered this site.
On the topic, that is a place most don't want to be....with the alcoholic. It is only the fellow alcoholic that can sympathize and be BRUTALLY HONEST (see above).
It is a matter of life and death. KCB.
Member: MaryOH
Location: ca
Date: 6/1/2002
Time: 12:19:40 AM
Happy Birthday meeting! we are having a steering committee tomorrow for our 6 am 20 yr old meeting and we are going to take a meeting inventory. A friend told me she had a sheet with questions based on the traditions, but I haven't seen her. Does anyone have such a sheet?
Member: anonymous alcoholic
Location: 2689 Ridgecrest Drive
Date: 6/1/2002
Time: 6:55:05 AM
Hi. Interesting to me that this week's tradition matches this week's discussion topic (sponsorship). Either way I need to take the focus off me myself and I whenever I can. Thanks.