A ‘Fellowship of Equals’

Since I’m in a few Twelve Step Programs, I benefit from applying wisdom and good thoughts learned in one of them to the other programs I work.

Case in point: When reading a daily Al-Anon devotion today, I saw the phrase “fellowship of equals.” The phrase was used to state that in Al-Anon, all members are equal. We don’t have a right to consider someone “less than” or ourselves superior to anyone else.

I read a similar thought years ago in the Big Book of A.A., in the chapter, “There is a Solution.” It states we are a people “who normally would not mix” but who are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck.”

I continue to marvel at the range of people I meet in recovery meetings and service work. All national origins, religious beliefs (including atheists and agnostics), education and personal wealth. None of that matters in terms of recovery in each program, however the various perspectives and experiences enrich the interactions and knowledge I gain from meetings and conversations.

I never could have imagined how much I would gain in addition to my sobriety and serenity from walking amongst this “fellowship of equals”!