Address by Judge John T., 4th Anniversary of the Chicago Group October 5, 1943
Tonight, we gather here to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the founding of the Chicago Group. But this is not just any anniversary; it is not a moment of self-congratulation. This program we have embarked upon is not bound by time, for it is a continuous journey of improvement. We strive for progress each day, leaving behind the smugness of achievement and the inertia of rest. Our program is timeless, rooted in the present moment, where true hope lies.
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Alcoholic addiction has always been plagued by a relentless fixation on the past and a crippling fear of the uncertain future. But for us, the alcoholic, the only hope that holds any real value lies in embracing the present. It is in this moment, in the now, where we find acceptance and the possibility of change.
As I look around tonight, I see new faces among us, individuals who have come seeking sobriety for the first time or those who have returned after previous failures. To those of you who feel a sense of unease or apprehension, believe me when I say that you are not alone. We who have managed to stay sober for four years are mere beginners in this timeless program. We have no seniority, only a deeper understanding of our own struggles and the formation of new habits that make the journey easier.
Our progress can be attributed to the support and companionship we’ve found in fellow Alcoholics. Through their guidance, we have distanced ourselves from our old haunts and the temptations that once surrounded us. We have started to address our own character flaws, making an effort to live according to the twelve steps of our program. But the most significant step in our regeneration came with our admission of powerlessness over alcohol and our decision to surrender our will to a higher power. That act of surrender was not bound by time; it is available to you now, in this very moment.
The days have passed swiftly, and the group has grown from Earl and a few others to a community of hundreds. This growth is not the result of mass production or a sales pitch. Our program cannot be commercialized; it can only be lived and practiced. Its greatest appeal lies in the power of example. Each of us has been impacted by the selfless acts of others. We were reached individually by individuals who, for the first time, performed unselfish acts.
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Our journey towards regeneration was not driven by personal gain or greed. We are the beneficiaries of the most genuine form of charity that one human being can extend to another. Others recognized our inherent dignity and treated us as they would want to be treated.
The transformative nature of the Chicago Group is difficult to comprehend. Jack Alexander, the author of a remarkable article in the Saturday Evening Post, believes that only through the realm of fiction can its true impact be portrayed. But let us imagine a gathering of the most distinguished medical minds in Chicago, studying each of our alcoholic case histories. They would find a common thread: the inability to exercise self-control once we started drinking. These eminent scientists would conclude that most of us were beyond the reach of science, destined for a life of despair. Now, imagine a voice, an otherworldly voice, proclaiming that with God’s help, these countless incurable cases would be made whole within four short years.
Skepticism and doubt would fill the room. However, each of us present here tonight serves as living proof that the prophecy of that imaginary voice has been fulfilled. It may not be a dramatic miracle, but it is equally attributable to the divine power spoken of in that voice.
The incredible phenomenon that has unfolded within the Chicago Group, and throughout the country, has occurred gradually and through tangible means. Yet, even we fail to recognize its moral significance. God, in His wisdom, has handpicked a group of individuals to be vessels of His goodness. He did not choose the proud, the influential, or the brilliant. He chose the humble, the sick, the unfortunate, and yes, He chose the alcoholic, often considered the weakest of society. He could have said to us, “I have entrusted in your feeble hands a power beyond measure. I have given you what was denied to the most learned of your peers. Not to scientists, statesmen, wives, mothers, priests, or ministers have I granted this gift of healing alcoholics; I have entrusted it to you.”
But He cautioned us. He reminded us that this power must be used selflessly and responsibly. No day can be too long, no demand too urgent, no case too pitiable, no task too hard, and no effort too great. It must be used with tolerance, as it is not restricted to any race, creed, or denomination. We should expect personal criticism, lack of appreciation, and ridicule. Success will not always accompany our efforts. We must be prepared for adversity, as it is through adversity that we climb towards spiritual perfection. And He reassured us that He would never demand more of us than we are capable of giving.
We were not chosen for exceptional talents. We must be wary of pride that stems from our growth as a group or from comparisons with other organizations. Material possessions, power, and status have no place in our creed. Success in other organizations is measured by what they have left, but our success lies in what we have given when we take moral inventory.
These commands may seem challenging to some, but they stem from the critical nature of our infirmities. Just as physical diseases require drastic measures for a cure, our condition upon entering this group was even more dire. We risked not only our lives but also our sanity, honor, and self-respect. We cannot expect to overcome such entrenched problems with ease. It requires effort, self-discipline, and unwavering obedience to our conscience.
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The adage, “Man does not live by bread alone,” holds greater significance than mere poetry. It embodies a profound philosophical truth. Humans have an animalistic side that craves sustenance and engages in the competition of society. But there is also a spiritual aspect that can only be nurtured through exercises and restraints dictated by our conscience. Without the development of our spiritual yearnings, we remain unbalanced, incomplete, and vulnerable to the enemies that plague all alcoholics: fear, loneliness, discouragement, and futility.
Now, as I come to the end of these remarks, let us not forget Earl and his anniversary. Earl has always emphasized that no individual is responsible for this group. He has been a humble instrument, patiently and lovingly tending to the needs of the group. To him, this group is not his personal achievement. In fact, he would prefer me to describe him as a worthy instrument fulfilling a divine mandate.
Even without Earl’s leadership, even with mistakes and errors along the way, this work will continue as long as alcoholics acknowledge their helplessness and entrust their destiny to a higher power. In closing, let me share a letter I received tonight from an early member of our group. It encapsulates the profound impact of the Chicago Group and the presence of something greater within our meetings:
[Letter excerpt]
“The Chicago group represents more than the sum of our individual gains. It has been a means for many of us to catch a glimpse of the Infinite. This alone makes the group a profound entity. The group’s existence is not solely attributed to a higher power detached from individuals; it is the product of compassionate minds attending to the details on behalf of a greater purpose. Earl, in particular, embodies this sentiment. The feeling I have in a Chicago meeting, the sense that Christ himself is present, requires no further eulogy.”
The Chicago Group has weathered the years and will continue to guide countless alcoholics towards sobriety. It is a beacon of hope, a testament to the transformative power of unity, compassion, and surrendering oneself to a higher purpose.
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This insightful address by Judge John T. during the fourth anniversary of the Chicago Group highlights the timeless nature of their program and the power of unity in overcoming addiction. It emphasizes the importance of living in the present and surrendering to a higher power. The judge acknowledges the challenges faced by newcomers and extends a message of inclusion and support. He also reminds the audience of the profound impact they have had on each other’s lives and the extraordinary nature of their journey. The article concludes with a heartfelt letter from an early member, affirming the deeper significance of the group’s existence. This address serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the Chicago Group and the transformative potential within each alcoholic seeking recovery.
Comments: This article effectively captures the essence of Judge John T.’s address, highlighting the key messages and weaving them into a coherent narrative. The inclusion of a letter from an early member adds a personal touch and reinforces the impact of the Chicago Group. The article could further explore specific examples of how the group has helped individuals and delve into the practical application of the twelve steps. Overall, it serves as an inspiring tribute to the Chicago Group and its members’ commitment to sobriety.
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Category: WHY
