Mail Call for A.A.s at Home and Abroad

TWELVE steps leading upward from a bottom of chaos, of remorse, self-pity, sickness of the very soul, despairing, not caring, only a mere flicker of hope, the only light of hope, the only light pointing to the first step; one little spark of will which is willing to do something about this seemingly hopeless obsession for alcohol. Then a friendly hand reaching down from the stairway, trying to lead us in the direction they are going, pointing to the steps in their order and pointing to the hand rail marked "Higher Power" by which each must aid himself in the ascension, due to the illness contracted in that terrible morass at the bottom. For a time slippery footing on solid steps. Progress upward determined by how well we make contact with the hand rail called "Higher Power." Upward, onward, reaching at last the joyous experience of a New Life. Serenity in emotions. Courage in faith. Wisdom in the direction and experience of progress. Joy in pointing to others the way up. Safe on the narrow but well-lighted path toward our star of destiny.