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The Oxford Group’s Influence (part 5)
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This episode is about the last two “steps” in the list that Abby Thatcher left for Bill Wilson on that crumpled piece of paper. Little did he know at that time, the impact that that little piece of paper would have on both addiction and the lives of thousands of others with just plain living problems.
Below are the fifth and sixth items on that list:
5. Restitution.
6. Continued work with others in need.
Once again, I am sure that those of you who are familiar with the 12-step program, will recognize the direct connection that these items have to the 12 steps.
Number five in the list is, of course, directly linked to steps number eight and nine. Many of us, when reading these two steps, immediately put our rationalization tool to work. Many of us, including myself, balked at the idea of facing those people that we have heard before we were changed. I’m not sure if I have used this word. In this go round of looking at the Oxford Group. However, exactly how they describe themselves after making their spiritual connection with God. I really like this word and I would certainly attribute it to those of us who have sincerely said “yes” to God.
Number six on the list is certainly connected to the 12- step program in step number 12. One of the most important aspects of the 12 step program concerns keeping what we have found in the steps by giving it freely away to others.
In the original 12 steps that were penned by Bill Wilson, there was no mention of alcohol or any particular hindrance to our once happy lives. The original 12 step simply suggested that we give this program and what we have learned through it to “others”. The word alcohol it was added later in order to, in part, focus the group in a particular direction and to a particular group.
In conclusion I would like to emphasize the facts of this being a God-given program. Even though it began as a wonderful way to alcoholics, it was soon recognized by groups of folks who had other, threatening issues. The 12 step program is now reaching out to over 200 various groups of folks with problems.
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