Why We Were Chosen
Some look at having the disease of addiction or alcoholism as a life curse. Others, especially those who have discovered the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery, are able to see that their experiences in life are just as they were meant to be. The 12 Steps are a way for them to rebuild their lives. Rehabs in NH are not a curse but a chance to find your Higher Power, learn and grow to be the successful person every addict and alcoholic has within them.
This poem, anonymously written, puts into words that which many of us are unable to explain to our peers and family members who do not suffer from the disease of alcoholism.
Why We Were Chosen
“God in HIS wisdom has selected this group of men and women to be the purveyors of His Goodness. In selecting them through whom to bring about this phenomenon, He went not to the proud, the mighty, the famous or the brilliant. He went to the humble, to the sick, to the unfortunate – He went to the drunkard, the so-called weakling of the world.
Unto your weak and feeble hands, I have entrusted a power beyond estimate. To you has been given that which has been denied the most learned of your fellows. Not to scientists or statesmen, not to wives or mothers, not even to my priests or ministers have I given this gift of healing other alcoholics which I entrust to you.
It must be used unselfishly; it carries with it grave responsibility. No day can be too long; no demands upon your time can be too urgent; no case can be too pitiful; no task too hard; no effort too great. It must be used with tolerance for I have restricted its application to no race, no creed, and no denomination. Personal criticism you must expect; lack of appreciation will be common; ridicule will be your lot; your motives will be misjudged. You must be prepared for adversity, for what men call adversity is the ladder you must use to ascend the rungs toward spiritual perfection, and remember, in the exercise of this power I shall not exact from you beyond your capabilities.
You are not selected because of exceptional talents, and be careful always, if success attends your efforts not to ascribe to personal superiority that to which you can lay claim only by virtue of my gift. If I had wanted learned men to accomplish this mission, this power would have been entrusted to the physician and scientist. If I had wanted eloquent men, there would have been many anxious for the assignment, for talk is the easiest used of all talents with which I have endowed mankind. If I had wanted scholarly men, the world is filled with better qualified men than you who would be available. You were selected because you have been the outcasts of the world and your long experience as drunkards has made or should make you humbly alert to the cries of distress that come from the lonely hearts of alcoholics everywhere.
Keep ever in mind the admission you made on the day of your profession in AA — namely that you are powerless and that it was only with your willingness to turn your life and will unto my keeping that relief came to you.
Thoughts
What are your thoughts on this poem? Do you take it to be religious or just an honest expression of someone’s thoughts? Why do you think it resonates so well among the members of Alcoholics Anonymous and rehabs in NH?
If you have any questions regarding the 12 Step fellowships, Alcoholics Anonymous, or how you or a loved one can get started in a drug rehabs, contact GateHouse Treatment at 855-448-3588.
