05/15/2008 13:26:45

Thats not a problem..  Sorry about that..  Still playing with the graphics..

Endurancefan wrote: I love your story, and I hope you don't mind if I reprint it right here for those, who possibly, like me, couldn't see the above text. For those that can't see the above text, here it is: It took me a long time to finally make the decision to open up my store..  I didn't want to go against the traditions..  But I met someone in the program who told me an inspiring story.. He had purchased an AA pendant at one of the conventions he went to..  He got grief from other members about how this was an anonymous program.. Anyway, a couple of months later, he walked into a convenience store and was making his purchase..  The lady behind the counter saw the pandant around his neck and asked if he was in the program...  He said yes, and she broke down crying..  She was new in the program and was having a hard time..  She wanted to go out and use..  Needless to say, they had a mini meeting right there, and he may have saved her life..  And that's y I opened up my store..  And thats why it's called "Carry The Message"

05/13/2008 21:52:13

I love your story, and I hope you don't mind if I reprint it right here for those, who possibly, like me, couldn't see the above text.

For those that can't see the above text, here it is:

It took me a long time to finally make
the decision to open up my store..  I didn't want to go against the
traditions..  But I met someone in the program who told me an inspiring
story..

He had purchased an AA pendant at one of the conventions
he went to..  He got grief from other members about how this was an
anonymous program..
Anyway, a couple of months later, he walked into
a convenience store and was making his purchase..  The lady behind the
counter saw the pandant around his neck and asked if he was in the
program...  He said yes, and she broke down crying..  She was new in
the program and was having a hard time..  She wanted to go out and
use..  Needless to say, they had a mini meeting right there, and he may
have saved her life.. 

And that's y I opened up my store..  And thats why it's called "Carry The Message"

05/13/2008 12:12:24

DennisS wrote:      A good reason to open a store. IMHO, the anonymity bit is a bit twisted. If you look closely at the long form of tradition 11: "Our relations with the general public should be characterized by personal anonymity. We think A.A. ought to avoid sensational advertising. Our names and pictures as A.A. members ought not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed. Our public relations should be guided by the principle of attraction rather than promotion. There is never need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends recommend us."      The way I read it, the true purpose of the tradition of anonymity is to keep our ego in check. The reading I've done on the history of AA shows pretty much that any time a drunk's ego comes on the scene, his brains exit stage left.  Another note on this and I'll shut up. Notice the word "tradition"? Not "law, "rule", "statute" or any other form of control.     There are times when BB thumpers should be thumped with BBs - for the very reason you cited. Take care, Dennis

Thanx for the comment..  Every once in while I need to hear that..  A BB thumper came into my store and was so impressed, he's bringing his wife back..

05/12/2008 18:56:51

     A good reason to open a store. IMHO, the anonymity bit is a bit twisted. If you look closely at the long form of tradition 11:
"Our relations with the general public should be characterized by personal anonymity. We think A.A. ought to avoid sensational advertising. Our names and pictures as A.A. members ought not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed. Our public relations should be guided by the principle of attraction rather than promotion. There is never need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends recommend us."
     The way I read it, the true purpose of the tradition of anonymity is to keep our ego in check. The reading I've done on the history of AA shows pretty much that any time a drunk's ego comes on the scene, his brains exit stage left.  Another note on this and I'll shut up. Notice the word "tradition"? Not "law, "rule", "statute" or any other form of control.
    There are times when BB thumpers should be thumped with BBs - for the very reason you cited.
Take care,
Dennis