Paul McQ Step 11 at Fellowship of the Spirit 02-11-25

Paul McQ Step 11 at Fellowship of the Spirit 02-11-25

In this engaging episode, Paul McQ delves into Step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous, sharing his personal insights and experiences. Paul, an alcoholic, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to serve and speak at this AA meeting. He humorously notes the irony of being considered a great speaker in AA, likening it to being the tallest of the seven dwarfs.

With candor and warmth, Paul discusses his life, sobriety, and spiritual journey from his home in Rockaway Beach, known for its strong Irish-American community. He highlights the importance of progress over perfection in AA, emphasizing that everyone's spiritual journey is unique and valuable. Paul reflects on the mistakes he made when he first joined AA, including the misconception of God as a distant figure choosing winners and losers.

He shares how his understanding of spirituality evolved, highlighting the importance of reaching out to others and sharing one's way of life. Paul also recounts the powerful impact of prayers from his mother's church group in Northern Ireland on his sobriety journey. Throughout the episode, Paul discusses the transformative nature of the 12 steps, particularly Step 11, which connects individuals to their true selves beyond inner criticism.

He shares his experiences working in special education, noting the spiritual purity of the children he teaches, who live fully in the present moment. This perspective inspires Paul to view life through a different lens, fostering compassion and empathy. Paul emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and openness in AA, creating connections through shared spiritual experiences. He reflects on the power of telling one's story, demonstrating the attraction of AA's principles rather than promotion.

This episode is a testament to the strength of community and the transformative impact of spiritual growth in Alcoholics Anonymous.