Amends: No Time To Be Shy

Step We Are On:  Nine

Page: 77

Chapter: 6 “Into Action”

Subject: Amends

Read Time: 2 mins

Good morning.

If we "lead with the chin," what may they label us?

Why lay ourselves open to being branded fanatics or religious bores?

  Bore - An annoyance

~ The Winston Simplified Dictionary Encyclopedic Edition (1938)

The attitude of some people we have harmed can be tainted with skepticism. Even a "friendly" can be full of hidden anger. People are quick to annoyance and judgment. We want to do as much as we can to not shoot ourselves in the foot here.

We want this to be a successful approach-not one that is called off by an incredulous target. (Even if something inside us would prefer avoiding especially uncomfortable or difficult amends. You know what I'm talkin' about!)

• What is a far more important reason?

We may kill a future opportunity to carry a beneficial message.

Message - a communication, written, spoken or otherwise delivered from one person to another; specifically.

~ The Winston Simplified Dictionary Encyclopedic Edition (1938)

• What will impress the person we are approaching

But our man is sure to be impressed with a sincere desire to set right the wrong.

Comment:  A condition which must exist before making amends is a “sincere desire to set right the wrongs.” [The WHEN]

• What will the person be interested in?

He is going to be more interested in a demonstration of good will than in our talk of spiritual discoveries.

Comment:  Again, the message is what we do - not what we say.

• We don’t use this as an excuse for shying away from what?

We don't use this as an excuse for shying away from the subject of God.

We talk about God when it is appropriate. It often is.

Peace and  Love,

Danny S – RLRA

Real Live Recovered Alcoholic