You are a trusted servant.
“Trusted servant” was one of many terms I heard tossed around in my early days of service in sobriety. But much like “primary purpose”, I thought I had an idea of what it meant. But my understanding of it now is so much stronger. Not just from acting as one for several years now. But being shown through the words and actions of those who serve with me. As well as the elder statesmen that helped guide me when I always felt like a deer in the headlights. One such man took the time to sit down with me and explain what was asked of my new position. The first position of service I ever held in AA outside of a group level.
I was to be the district web servant. Maintaining our website which held district information and where to find your next meeting A job that was being done by our then DCM, who was pulling double duty. He and I sat down on day and went over the ins and outs of logging in, going through the settings, how to edit the words and pictures on the site, etc. I must have asked a dozen questions along the way. And right about the time I was going to ask the baker’s dozen question. He stopped me and essentially said “Joe, I will happily sit here with you as long as you need me too and answer any questions you can throw at me. But let me first tell you that you are a trusted servant of AA”.
Ok, so I’ve heard those two words before. Another way of saying it’s your job. You better not quit on us. Right? That’s it. He continued. “I, and everyone in the district, trust you to be a steward of our website. Any decision you feel is in the best interest of helping our website serve our primary purpose. You have all our support.” “You were elected not just because you have a basic understanding of computers. It sure helps. But because we see in you the desire to serve the recovering and still suffering alcoholics”.
It wasn’t until then that I realized my desire to serve and be responsible. As those who were there when I needed the hand of AA. Whenever I think of “trusted servant”. I am almost always drawn back to that afternoon. When one alcoholic talked to another. With the help of that man, and countless other people, I now know that I am responsible.
Joe Thomas
District 19 DCM
