In the first few chapters a number of sudden revolutionary changes are described. Though it was not our intention to create such an impression, many alcoholics have nevertheless concluded that in order to recover they must acquire an immediate and overwhelming “God-consciousness” followed at once by a vast change in feeling and outlook. Among our rapidly growing membership of thousands of alcoholics such transformations, though frequent, are by no means the rule. Most of our experiences are what the psychologist William James calls the “educational variety” because they develop slowly over a period of time. Quite often friends of the newcomer are aware of the difference long before he is himself. He finally realizes that he has undergone a profound alteration in his reaction to life; that such a change could hardly have been brought about by himself alone. What often takes place in a few months could seldom have been accomplished by years of self-discipline…..

We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.m ~ Appendix 2, “Spiritual Experience” Inc, A.A. World Services. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition (p. 307). A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Don’t I deserve a Revolutionary spiritual experience?
Grandpop was a preacher,
Granddaddy designated “Mr. Methodist”
in the conference
Mother was church staff
after the oldest three of us were in school.
At one point Daddy was Chairman of the Board,
Mother had roles with Children’s Programs
in the congregation as well as in the conference.
My older sister was Senior High President
of Methodist Youth Fellowship, a role
I filled in junior high.
I have a Master’s in Christian Education
and was church staff in three congregations.
I taught Sunday School for decades.
You would think I’d have come into Overeaters Anonymous
a past master at the spiritual revolutionary overhaul.
But I am a compulsive overeater and have been for seven decades
one and a half of them in the rooms of OA.
God, perhaps I’m way overdue for a life-changing spiritual experience.
But You know I need it!!