A Hand Up

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When I reflect on my life before I embraced recovery in Overeaters Anonymous, I can only describe it as a vast, dark, dry, soulless wasteland. My old life ended on June 9, 2009, the day of my second entry into Overeaters Anonymous. I was immediately abstinent and this time (one day at a time) it “took.” I’m not sure why . . . perhaps because I was so deliriously happy to be back home where I belong.

After only three weeks, I was asked to be a sponsor. She was a newcomer and saw something in me she liked. I’d never done the Steps, but I immediately got a sponsor and went to work.

Shortly after that, I started serving at different levels—first at meetings, then in my intergroup, and then for my region—not because I had to, but because I wanted to serve. I came back into recovery at age 65 not knowing how much time I had left. So I jumped in with everything I had, to learn and experience everything I could—and share it!

Over the past six years, I’ve been asked to sponsor on many occasions, and I never say no. My reasoning is that I’ve been in quicksand (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., p. 8), so I know firsthand what it is like to feel no hope. In the Big Book, it also says “What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God” (p. 28). I grabbed onto that flimsy reed, and I have not let go. It pulled me from the quicksand.

There are countless promises in the Big Book, all of which have come true for me as a result of working all Twelve Steps. My recovery and spiritual connection have to be the most important parts of my life, and then the rest just falls into place. It’s sometimes bumpy, but I’m equipped now to deal; I have lots of sisters and brothers, all of whom love to help.

We learn early on that we must carry our message to others in order to keep the most precious gift we’ve been given. This is our primary purpose. Our differences are not meant to divide us but to strengthen us; we are one—you and I.

I’m thankful I’ve lived long enough to experience recovery in Overeaters Anonymous. I’m delighted each and every day. For today and every day hereafter, I pledge to always extend the hand and heart of OA to all who share my compulsion; for this I am responsible.

— Ruth D., Post Falls, Idaho USA

Editor’s Note: OA’s 2016 Strategic Plan includes a focus on the Responsibility Pledge. Region chairs and members of the Board of Trustees are contributing one article per issue on this theme.

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