Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 85

If we followed the directions…
Whatever happened to the idea
the steps are merely suggestions,
to the claims of OA not to demand
this, that, the other, only one requirement…
the desire to stop eating compulsively.
Then we get nearly to the end,
just before Step Eleven and hear this,
that it depends on our following the directions.
Not that we’re required to.
Not that we’re not welcome if we putter,
if we don’t take the steps seriously,
if we consider them suggestions.
But if we do, we’re not going to get to Step Ten,
not going to have been relieved of fear,
not to have gotten the promises.
No, it only happens when we’re desperate,
when we know they are suggestions
but that they work and the alternative…
well, we’ve lived that. And it’s true.
We haven’t earned it by flawless stepwork,
haven’t deserved it for our willpower, our resolve.
No, we listened to others in person and in readings
and learned. And sure enough, that Spirit of Power
starts to flow, the Spirit living in us. Peace.