Third Legacy
District 29, Sumner: “One day, I heard myself talking about Step Three with a new “baby,” and I knew I believed what I was saying.” (P.M., March 1982, Spiritual Awakenings: Journeys of the Spirit)
In my drinking days I would barter what wasn’t mine for another nip. If it was your money, I wouldn’t repay it, if it was your drink, I’d finish it. No remorse. Save the remorse for my sober days when I am forced to not drink. If I could think that far ahead. I long argued with my sponsor that Step Three didn’t apply to me. My concept of a HP at the time wasn’t big enough; I couldn’t envision “take away these difficulties.” Like, I came here to not drink, okay?
My sponsor helped me realize that a continuous sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous isn’t about being clever. “And how is that working for you, Jack?” As I began to work with other men, I empathize with their struggles to acknowledge the spiritual aspect of the program. I’ll never forget the first person I worked with who, staggering through their Fifth Step, metaphorically reached up and pulled the light bulb string for themselves. Also, seeing tears of gratitude in the eyes of the person with whom I humble myself on a Ninth Step. To quote P.M. from Sumner, “I knew I believed what I was saying.”
I can’t transmit what I don’t have. If my HP can only lift the obsession to drink from me, that may keep me in the room for a short while. As my concept of a Higher Power expands through participating in General Service, I better utilize the Third Legacy. I make time for meeting deadlines. I admit my failures and don’t dwell on them. After the April Quarterly in Vancouver, WA, a friend comfortingly shared that in a year I should be comfortable in my position.
I recall attending a first Treatment Quarterly almost ten years ago. People were asking the questions I was asking, and we were together coming up with best practices. I had asked around at my home group only to be met with casual indifference. In general service, I found I could work with others, take suggestions (yes, it is possible!), and believe that we were doing our best. To me, this is an aspect of the Third Legacy.
Back to Step Three mentioned by our Area 72 contributor. I have to put in a plug for the Plain Language Big Book tool for reading Alcoholics Anonymous. “Take away my difficulties, so that when I feel I have been released from them, I can share my transformation to help others…” This new translation, this “share my transformation,” propels me into Third Legacy work, into knowing that I believe in the power of spirit in action. Into knowing that I believe that I cannot do this alone. And when I share, the burden is lighter. “Never miss an opportunity to let someone else experience service,” as my service sponsor says.
Jack
Grapevine Literature
