A Fellowship of Freedom

 In “As Bill Sees It”, Bill W. posits that people, given “absolute liberty”, being “compelled to obey no one … would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest”.

My first thought came from my default position of cynicism. I don’t seem to automatically see the good in people, even though that’s the person I want to be. My thought was that people, being scared and fearful, would erect fences to protect what’s theirs. Voluntarily associate themselves in the common interest? That’s hard to imagine.. 

Then I recalled a short passage I read in a book written  by a woman who has spent her life working to end hunger in the world. She was excited about meeting Mother Teresa, but their one-on-one was rudely interrupted by a couple of obvious wealth. They had donated a lot of money to the mission, and demanded an audience at that moment. Mother Teresa was a slight, stooped woman; the rich lady, dripping in gold and jewels, wanted to see her face, so she physically forced Mother’s chin up in order to look her in her eyes. Although this caused obvious physical discomfort to the little nun, she nevertheless looked into the rich woman’s eyes with love and acceptance.

When asked after the couple had left why she had allowed herself to show kindness instead of irritation, the nun admonished the author for her judgement and lack of kindness. Whether the poorest of the poor or those of incredible wealth, all were Children of God, and all were facing unseen and unknown challenges. 

My cynicism was met with an example of the absolute love and compassion which is, in fact, possible to achieve when one is “granted absolute liberty … compelled to obey no one …voluntarily associat(ing) themselves in the common interest”.

We are given the freedom to come close to that when we associate with our sober brothers and sisters, and with those who desire sobriety. None of us can claim sainthood, but, with a common cause, we are able to meet each other with kindness, love, and acceptance. 

It’s a worthy start.


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