October 29
Someone Will Have to Begin
The group has talked about a needed change for months. Everyone seems to favor it in principle, but each person waits for someone else to begin. We may hesitate because taking initiative looks uncomfortably like putting ourselves forward. In a Fellowship that values humility, it can be hard to distinguish offering leadership from wanting to become important.
Concept Nine makes a place for people who bring ideas into useful action. They are neither flawless examples nor empty voices repeating whatever the room wants. They are members willing to accept a share of responsibility and let their judgment be examined. We need not feel especially suited to greatness to make a sensible proposal, ask for support, and follow through. There is ordinary work waiting between dominating the group and remaining silent. Humility may allow us to begin it without needing either the leading role forever or a guarantee of praise.
What useful beginning am I withholding because initiative makes me self-conscious?
A beginning does not require a perfect person.
For the A.A. nerds: Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept IX.