Carrying the Message

The article on the Eleventh Step by R. A. S. of Tucson in the August Grapevine was absolutely the greatest. We read it in its entirety at the Tillamook meeting--the first time an entire article has had this honor in a long time. The criticism by V. J. of Oakland (letter in the November GV) is ill-founded. The saying "Keep it simple" refers to the newcomer. He is sick and needs a simple program and lots of love and understanding in order to lead him into the sunshine. I don't think AA is an end and goal in itself or that we could ourselves remain "simple." AA is a gateway. When God, acting in and through the wonderful people in AA, gave me back my sanity, I don't for a moment believe He intended for me to sit around mouthing cliches and gee-whizzing at the mundane.