Step 11 Says Improve Your Conscious Contact with Higher Power — Not Start It, Because He Was Already There Before You Walked In – Fairweather F.

About This Speaker Tape

This recording is a reflective meditation on the idea that AA, unlike the fair-weather friends alcoholics encounter in bars and active addiction, offers unconditional welcome and support. The speaker draws a contrast between drinking buddies who disappear when money runs out or trouble arrives and the fellowship of AA, which welcomes members back with open arms after relapse — no questions asked, no recriminations.

The piece leans heavily on spiritual themes, emphasizing Step 11's guidance to improve conscious contact with Higher Power through prayer and meditation. The speaker quotes the Big Book's promise that when we draw near to Higher Power, He discloses Himself to us, and cites Peter Marshall's observation that Higher Power permits no trouble without a specific plan for blessing. Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob are credited with providing all the tools needed for recovery, with trust in Higher Power positioned as the most important.

The recording closes with the story of James Marshall, who sold his mine just inches from striking the mother lode — the Comstock mine that made its new owner one of California's first millionaires. The speaker uses this as a parable for not giving up on the program, noting that thousands of sober alcoholics worldwide prove the principles work. The friends made in AA, the speaker concludes, are not fair-weather friends but friends forever.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Opens with the question: Is AA a fair-weather friend?
• 0:30 Contrast between bar friends who disappear and the unconditional welcome of AA
• 1:15 AA's open-door policy for members who relapse — no questions asked, no recriminations
• 2:00 Gratitude for an organization that offers a path back to a peaceful, happy life
• 2:30 Step 11 reference — improving conscious contact with Higher Power through prayer and meditation
• 3:00 Peter Marshall quote about Higher Power's purpose behind every difficulty
• 3:30 Bill W. and Dr. Bob provided all the tools needed — trust in Higher Power is the most important
• 4:00 James Marshall mining parable — success was just inches away when he quit
• 4:30 Closing encouragement — thousands living sober prove the program works; AA friends are forever