Finding Small Signs of a Higher Power Early On – Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

Sober Village - 2005

Sandy B. traces the lineage of recovery starting with the doomed momentum of the 1840s Washingtonian Society—a group that collapsed after abandoning unity to chase outside political issues. Sandy B. maps out the 'breadcrumbs' left by a Higher Power leading from the desperation of Roland H. in Switzerland with Carl J. to the chaotic early days of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. The narrative cuts through the early financial delusions of the fellowship detailing Bill W.'s failed attempts to build a 'chain of drunk tanks' and the near-disastrous effort to fund the Big Book through stock certificates and a failed postcard shower. The story culminates in John D. R.'s refusal to fund the movement a move Sandy B. argues saved the fellowship by forcing it to rely on its own merits rather than corporate wealth ultimately removing the stigma of the disease.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Sandy B. opens with the 'happy ending' of the story: the fact that the listeners are sober today.
• 2:30 The rise and fall of the Washingtonian Society in the 1840s and their lack of spiritual principles.
• 6:15 Sandy B. speculates on the Higher Power's role in orchestrating the 'breadcrumbs' of recovery history.
• 11:20 The story of Roland H. and his time with Carl J. in Switzerland.
• 16:45 Laughter: The story of Ebi's shotgun-guarded paint job and his subsequent rescue by the Oxford Group.
• 21:10 Bill W.'s spiritual awakening in Towns Hospital and the role of Dr. S.
• 26:30 The first meeting between Bill W. and Dr. Bob and the bonding of two alcoholics.
• 32:15 Bill W.'s failed business plans for AA, including the 'chain of drunk tanks' and paid missionaries.
• 37:40 The struggle to fund the Big Book and the absurdity of the Works Publishing Company stock.
• 43:10 The failure of the Reader's Digest advertisement and the 'drunk doctor' postcard replies.
• 48:20 John D. R.'s black-tie dinner and his decision that money would ruin the movement.
• 54:00 Closing thoughts on how the Higher Power saved the organization by denying Bill W.'s financial plans.