Pass It On--But How?

It is a paradox that one of the basic tenets of the AA program is that we must give away what we have in order to keep it. In other words, it is necessary to our own sobriety that we share freely with others what we have been so freely given. "When we see a man sinking into the mire that is alcoholism, we give him first aid and place what we have at his disposal." (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 132) This has not been seen as optional but necessary to the success of an AA member's program. "Though they knew they must help other alcoholics if they would remain sober. . ." (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 159), the giving away also became a pleasure in itself. The necessity of the motive "was transcended by the happiness they found in giving of themselves for others" (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 159).