Dear Paula: Thank you for writing, and I enjoyed your points and your
plans.
Our latest two books – “Stick with the Winners!” and “Pioneer Stories in
Alcoholics Anonymous” lay the foundation for studies and learning that begins
with A.A. Conference-approved literature, focuses on the role of God and His
Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible, and accurately familiarizes with these
elements those who want the real history instead of self-made religion,
nonsense gods, and pseudo-spirituality. I would hope you will obtain a copy of
each of these books as a general guide.
We strongly encourage and help others organize study groups; and many of
my books propose the subjects, the formats, and the resources.
And now to Anne Ripley Smith and Anne
Smith’s Journal 1933-1939. I learned about Anne’s journal from lengthy
conferences with Dr. Bob’s daughter Sue Windows and his son Robert R. Smith. I
think the importance of Anne and her work involves all the following
ingredients: (1) Anne was the one who had a Quiet Time and read the Bible to
Bill and Bob each day in the beginning. Like those two, she stressed the
importance of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, the Book of James, and 1 Corinthians
13. (2) Soon she was gathering at the Smith home each morning a large number of
alkies, their families, and their friends and covering the contents of the
Bible, her journal, some devotionals, group prayer, topical discussion, and
love. (3) She began keeping her journal in 1933 and continued until 1939. (4)
In a very real sense, she was and was called the “Mother of A.A.” and a founder
of Akron Number One. (5) In 1936, she launched a women’s group in Akron. (6)
For several years she counseled Lois Wilson and some of her “kitchen group” in
New York as they struggled with their alkies and family problems. (7) Those who
are knowledgeable regard her as one of the founding people in Al-Anon because
so many of her ideas were transmitted and utilized by Lois and her consorts.
(8) In the Smith Home, she acted as cook, counselor, nurse, evangelist, Bible
reader, prayer leader, literature enthusiast, and a regular outreacher to
newcomers—men and women. (9) It is quite clear from her journal that she became
thoroughly conversant with the 28 Oxford Group principles I discuss at length
in The Oxford Group & Alcoholics
Anonymous www.dickb.com/Oxford.shtml.
(10) In fact, drawing on the Oxford Group ideas that Wilson later incorporated
in his “new version” of the program—the Big Book and 12 Steps—she covered in a
very practical way each of the major ideas such as Quiet Time, Prayer, Bible
study, Jesus Christ, the Four Absolutes, the 5 C’s, literature of life-changing
and love, and many practical suggestions for dealing with drunks and comporting
one’s life according to the teachings of Jesus. (11) Anne was a regular
attender at the early Akron A.A. Christian Fellowship meetings and was
legendary for her work with women and newcomers. (12) Her life-long
fidelity to and forgiveness of Dr. Bob,
as well as her untrammeled support for his work with drunks, make her a major
factor in the success of early A.A.—albeit humble, unassuming, and reliant on
the Creator for love, guidance, healing, and help in her work with others. (13)
One of Anne’s important statements in the journal is: “Of course, the Bible
ought to be the main Source Book of all. Not a day should pass without reading
it.” And she practiced this herself-fervently.
I think you could do no better for your study group than to start off
Anne Smith’s Journal. I will have Ken contact
you regarding resource costs; and I believe he can propose an economical
solution that will enable you to have a book for every one of your members.
Your plans are welcome, and I urge you to keep in touch with us if we
can be of help in your continued love and service. Thank you again for writing.
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