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Dear Friends,
I took the liberty of speaking for us all when I sent this message to be read later this month at the reunion of those AA members who worked at Ground Zero. My thanks to those who sent messages to be included.
Nancy
Dear Friends from the Ground Zero Group,
I send you love, gratitude and praise from the more than 560 members of the AA History Buffs and AA History Lovers from around the world.
On September 11 last year, when the news reached the world of the attacks on the World Trade Center, I received many messages from members of this group in other lands, expressing their sympathy and their solidarity with us in our grief and shock.
When I informed them of the death at Ground Zero of Father Mychal Judge, their hearts poured out with grief and love and awe.
But when I told them that members of our fellowship working at Ground Zero had requested a meeting there, and that one had been started, hundreds of messages poured in -- many of them in French -- which I forwarded to John Friedlander so that you would know the love and support you were receiving from around the world.
How can we express the gratitude we feel for you and the example you have set for us all? I asked the group for suggestions.
Jared L. asked me to tell you: "One of the reasons we love the history of AA is that the history of AA shows love like yours in action through service like yours. (And I think of Dr. Bob's statement that "Our Twelve Steps, when simmered down to the last, resolve themselves down to the words 'love' and 'service.'")
And Joanna W. wrote: My good friend, David W., who was a member of the Sunriser's Group and the Promises Group in Woodstock, NY, worked for Cantor in the first Tower. I know his spirit is present with the Ground Zero Group and this is a prayer for him and his wife and young daughter, and for all those whose
united spirits gathered for this Higher Purpose:
"Deep down in every man, woman, and child, is the fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself."
Jocie wrote from Chicago that she just couldn't find the words she wanted to say to you. But added "I will pray ... for you and all those awesome people."
Ron Long, wrote from California: "I commend the Ground Zero Group. The many people who were involved in Ground Zero, including those who are AA members, demonstrated courage in their selfless efforts and faith in the service manifested in their actions of both God and humanity. Those Alcoholics Anonymous members, back into the mainstream of living, certainly walked the talk. Living life on life's terms, even in the face of a traumatic experience, staying sober, having been of service to their fellow human beings, proved once again the program really works."
Barbara A. said: "This week has been a time of prayer and reflection for me and for so many members of AA and Al-Anon Family Groups in Georgia. The overwhelming feeling that I have had this weekend has been one of gratitude. Gratitude for the countless, nameless heroes that have been a part of the healing of our nation and particularly those of you who have been there on the front lines at Ground Zero. I have heard of the members of our fellowship that were lost in the World Trade Center and have prayed for their families. This week I heard that many of you thought that Father Mychal was taken first so he could welcome everyone to the Big Meeting. But know that I and the fellowship in Georgia want you all to know that we have prayed and will continue to pray for you. Our arms are outstretched to you in a hug of unconditional love that holds us all safe in the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups."
I saw this piece from a Jewish Rabbi on the Internet: "Those final conversations (either completed calls or messages left on cell phones & voice mail) that morning from people in the Twin Towers moments before they went down were so pure about the expression of love between husband & wife, between mother & child, seem to be incredible texts because they were at the moment of confronting life or death. Whatever your religious tradition is about, it's about this. The REAL wisdom, the REAL religious tradition, the REAL experience behind religion is about love, & it's about connection. It is no more complicated than that."
And I found this in a book written by a member of AA History Lovers. Glenn is a Methodist clergyman and AA historian. It is from a sermon he preached:
"O Lord, your messengers have taught us the nature of true love. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for your love for us. ...
Even when we could not hear you or feel you, you were always there. Your everlasting arms held us up. You, the living God, who are eternal, and can never falter nor fail: to you be the glory forever! Amen."
And he added this blessing, which I pass on to you:
"So let us now go forth in peace, hearts filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, knowing that the sunlight of God's spirit shines all around us, and that His grace can conquer all things and transform our lives from glory unto glory, filling our souls with peace and joy and faith and courage.
"May the blessing of God Almighty be upon you and remain with you always."
So, dear friends, what can I add.
Well, I would just like to remind you all of what the Twenty-Four Hours a Day book says in the fine print section for September 11:
"God manifests Himself in human lives as strength to overcome evil and power to resist temptation. The grace of God is that power which enables a human being to change from a useless, hopeless individual to a useful, normal person. God also manifests Himself as love -- love for other people, compassion for their problem, and a real willingness to help them. The grace of God also manifests itself as peace of mind and serenity of character. We can have plenty of power, love, and serenity in our lives if we are willing to ask God for these things each day."
And let's remember Mychal Judge's Prayer
Lord,
Take me where you want me to go;
Let me meet who you want me to meet;
Tell me what you want me to say,
and
Keep me out of your way.
Love and gratitude to you all, from all of us of AA History Lovers.
Sincerely,
Nancy Olson
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