p72 – 76
p72: ¶1
Precision and rigorous honesty with a new attitude.
Identify the obstacles of resentments, fears, harms and relationships as they have affected us.
“We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs.”
We need to find another understanding person to share our 4th step inventory, or we may not overcome drinking.
We need to find enough humility, courage and honesty to ensure that we share all of our life story in it’s entirety.
p73: ¶1
We need to get real, and quit acting or faking it.
p73: ¶2
We have to look at facts, rather than fear clouded imperfect recollections.
p73: ¶3
We have to adopt a new attitude of absolute honesty.
p73: ¶4
Can we identify someone who we trust to be completely honest with; our sponsor, another AA member, or a member of the clergy?
p74: ¶1
Beware of choosing a family member. The rule is that we must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others.
p74: ¶2
Postpone ONLY if no other suitable person is available, and go back and revisit step 4.
p75: ¶1
“When we decide who is to hear our story, we waste no time.”
p75: ¶2
The Fifth Step Promises
p75: ¶3
Return home and take an hour to review your progress (ie meditate). Consider each of the five steps you have taken, seeking any inaccuracies or omissions.
Fifth step prayer leads directly to:
p76: ¶1
Do we have the willingness, and are we entirely ready to let God remove from us all of the things we have admitted are objectionable?
p76: ¶2
Humbly asked . . .
“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to You and my fellows. Grant me strength as I go out from here, to do Your bidding, Amen”
