Polly P. on the Spiritual Malady, Home Groups, and the Love of Fellowship

About This Speaker Tape

Spiritually dead and emotionally bankrupt, Polly P. reclaimed her life from the wreckage of a 'soul sickness'. She traces her path from a blackout drinker in Texas—once pronounced dead on arrival on Good Friday 1977—to a woman who finds wealth not in money but in the love of her fellowship and family.

Polly cuts through the noise of her past admitting to the brutal reality of child abuse and neglect and the agonizing process of making amends to her sons. She describes the 'great events' that followed: a marriage to Dave P. the sobriety of her son James and the profound lesson of humility learned through her grandson Ryan who is deaf.

For Polly the program is a lifeline that allows her to act contrary to her fears transforming her from a terrified inadequate officer's wife into a woman who can carry the message through sign language to a stranger in a smoke-filled room.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Polly P. discusses the vital importance of having a home group.
• 3:15 Laughter: Polly shares a story about her 'drug of choice' being shopping.
• 8:20 Polly describes the 'spiritual malady' and the feeling of being a 'soul sickness' in black darkness.
• 12:40 Polly discusses her history as a 'recovering Southern Baptist' and her fear of a judgmental Higher Power.
• 18:10 Polly recounts her time as an Air Force officer's wife and the feelings of inadequacy that led her to drink.
• 24:30 The turning point: Polly describes being pronounced dead on arrival on Good Friday, 1977.
• 31:15 Polly discusses the 'magic column' of the steps and the courage of Step 9 in making amends to her children.
• 36:40 Polly shares the story of her son Russ's struggle with suicide and the power of letting go.
• 42:10 Polly describes the 'great events' that came to pass, including her marriage to Dave P.
• 48:50 Polly discusses the healing force of her grandson Ryan and learning sign language.
• 54:20 Polly recounts carrying the message to a deaf newcomer in a meeting.
• 58:10 Polly emphasizes the need to protect the purity of the program for future generations.