Page 282 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

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HE SOLD HIMSELF SHORT 267
Where derision, contempt, and pity were once
shown me, I now enjoy the respect of many people.
Where once I had casual acquaintances, all of whom
were fair-weather friends, I now have a host of friends
who accept me for what I am. And over my A.A. years
I have made many real, honest, sincere friendships
that I shall always cherish.
I’m rated as a modestly successful man. My stock
of material goods isn’t great. But I have a fortune in
friendships, courage, self-assurance, and honest ap­
praisal of my own abilities. Above all, I have gained
the greatest thing accorded to any man, the love and
understanding of a gracious God, who has lifted me
from the alcoholic scrap heap to a position of trust,
where I have been able to reap the rich rewards that
come from showing a little love for others and from
serving them as I can.