Thoughts on Recovery – No. 48 – Step 6 and 7 – Requirements to begin these steps

I will cover these 2 steps in tandem because they are worked side by side. On Sunday night I will be covering these steps using the book drop the rock as a basis for discussion. I have already covered the introduction and looked at the story about Mary and the boat and the end of the famous Sandy B drop the rock talk.
The big book only has 2 paragraphs on these steps. There are conditions on being ready to take this step. They ask a series of questions and if you can answer these satisfactorily then you are ready. The first question you are asked is to turn to the page which contains the 12 steps. Then to read the first five proposals and ask yourself if you have omitted anything. If you have done a thorough job then it is obvious what your character defects are and how they have caused you and others to be harmed. Who wouldn’t want to be rid of these defects? Who wouldn’t want to be willing?
They say we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free man. Freedom from the bondage of self. The foundation of this arch is the first step which makes me willing to change. The cornerstone of this arch is believing I can change in step 2. The decision to change in step 3 is the keystone of this new and triumphant arch through which we walk to freedom. Now we have put 2 more stones in place with steps 4 and 5. Steps 6-12 complete the building of this arch and we have changed. We now have true faith and knowledge of God and access to his power. The promises on pages 83 are coming true.
There are 4 questions we are asked before taking steps 6-7. Is my work solid? Are the stones properly in place? Have I skimped on the cement put into the foundation? Have I tried to make mortar without sand? These questions imply a very thorough working of steps 1-5. If you can answer yes then you are ready to take steps 6-7.
The oxford group steps were the basis of our 12 steps. Bill W said the oxford group steps had too much wiggle room for alcoholics. Steps 6-7 close the gaps. These are the steps of change . They are according to Joe and Charlie the pick and the shovel. When you buy them there are no instructions with them because it is obvious how one uses them. I believe the authors felt the same way about these steps and is why there are only 2 paragraphs on them.
We will look in the next few thoughts on how I see and practice these steps today. For me the daily practice of these steps has become an essential part of my recovery program. How well I practice them each day determines my emotional sobriety.