Larry S. on Faith Without Works and the Mechanics of Step 12

About This Speaker Tape

BB Study - 2009

Larry S. maps out the gritty reality of sponsorship and the mechanics of the Big Book using the story of Paul H. to illustrate how surrender and service manifest in the real world. He dismantles the idea of 'triggers' in favor of the internal emotional states described in the literature while warning against the danger of becoming a 'maniacal Big Book thumper.' The narrative shifts from the absurdity of a man driving a hearse with an Uzi to a gym bag to the profound weight of watching peers face terminal illness with grace. Larry emphasizes that recovery isn't about material restoration—like getting a family back—but about a spiritual relationship with a Higher Power that allows a person to walk through the infernos of life without needing a drink.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Story of Paul H. and the DMV license ordeal.
• 5:15 Laughter: Paul H. and the 'clown car' Honda Civic named Lois.
• 8:30 Discussion on the arrogance of trying to tell people how the program works versus showing them.
• 12:45 Larry's approach to the Higher Power: a 'job description' of all-powerful and all-knowing.
• 18:20 Step 12: The importance of intensive work with other alcoholics as 'insurance' for recovery.
• 24:10 Warning: The danger of 12-step calls and the story of Doc C. and the shotgun.
• 32:00 The 'donkey story' metaphor regarding different recovery paths.
• 36:15 Laughter: The story of the dyslexic woman reading page 96 instead of 69.
• 42:30 The danger of dependence on man versus dependence on a Higher Power.
• 48:10 Laughter: Greg and the Uzi in the gym bag.
• 53:00 Reflections on walking through life's infernos with grace and dignity.
• 58:45 Closing with the Lord's Prayer and a call for unity.