The Nature of Alcoholic Self – Centeredness, Resentments, and Steps 3 – 5 – Jerry J.

About This Speaker Tape

Jerry J., sober since 1973, guides the group through the difficult work of the early steps. He uses the story of a little boy and a preacher to illustrate that adversity, when met with 'Praise Higher Power,' can bring about unexpected repair. The core message centers on abandoning self-will and self-centeredness, which he argues is the root of all trouble.

He stresses that true progress requires moving past mere decision (Step 3) into strenuous action, specifically the 'searching and fearless moral inventory' of Step 4. The process demands confronting resentments, fears, and even the deeply personal topic of sex, ultimately leading to the profound realization that true connection comes from sharing one's deepest self with another.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction by Jerry Jones, noting his sobriety date (January 1st, 1973).
• 0:55 Tells the story of the little boy and the preacher, illustrating how adversity can lead to positive change.
• 2:20 Discusses the basic decision to seek spiritual help, noting that 'Higher Power's everything or he's nothing.'
• 4:15 Emphasizes the need for self-awareness, noting that only the individual knows what is going on in their own head.
• 7:30 Discusses the difference between merely deciding to turn over one's will (Step 3) and taking actual action.
• 10:00 Addresses the core issue of self-centeredness, stating it was the root of their troubles.
• 12:30 Details the process of the Fourth Step: making a 'searching and fearless moral inventory' of oneself.
• 23:00 Discusses the difficulty of the Fifth Step, sharing the experience of having his sponsor discard his written inventory, symbolizing that the past is gone.