July 1944

lights of stage and cinema; writers are color and light, and that makes them my daily diet; I know the ladies and charming companions, too. gentlemen of both political parties; I They are possessed of a sense of have been entertained in the White humor. Even in their cups, they have House; I have broken bread with been known to say damnably funny kings and ministers and ambassa- things. Often, it was being forced to

Charming dors; and I say, after that catalog, that I would prefer an evening with my AA friends to an evening with any person or group of persons I have indicated. take seriously the little and mean things of life that made them seek escape in a bottle. But when they have found their restoration, their sense of humor finds a blessed freedom and Is the Word for ~lcoholics 1 asked myself why 1 consider so charming these alcoholic caterpillars they are able to reach a godlike state where they can laugh at themselves the very height of self-conquest. Go who have found their butterfly wings in Alcoholics Anonymous. There are to the meetings and listen to the , by Fulton Oursler more reasons than one, but I can laughter. At what are they laughing? name a few. At ghoulish memories over which The AA people are what they are, weaker souls would cringe in useless and they were what they were, be- remorse. And that makes them won- Fulton Oursler (1893-1952), noted writer and longtime cause they are sensitive, imaginative, derful people to be with by candlesenior editor of the Reader’s Digest, was editor of Liberty possessed of a sense of humor and an light. magazine when it published the article “Alcoholics and awareness of universal truth. And they are possessed of a sense God,” in September 1939. An early friend of AA, he served They are sensitive, which means of universal truth. That is often a new as a nonalcoholictrustee from October 1949 until his death in that they are hurt easily, and that thing in their hearts. The fact that this 1952. The article that follows is among the Grapevine’s most helped them become alcoholics. But at-oneness with God’s universe had requested writings. when they have found their restora- never been awakened in them is tion, they are still as sensitive as ever sometimes the reason .why they – responsive to beauty and to truth drank. The fact that it was at last and eager about the intangible glories awakened is almost always the reason of life. That makes them charming that they were restored to the good tive confession that there are times, companions. and simple ways of life. Stand with oh, many times when I wish I had They are imaginative, and that them when the meeting is over and been an alcoholic. By that I mean that helped to make them alcoholics. listen as they say the Lord’s Prayer! I wish 1 were an AA. The reason is Some of them drank to flog their They have found a Power greater that I consider the AA people the imagination on to greater efforts. than themselves which they diligently alI underprivileged and all know; most charming in the world. by one excoriating epithet – rela- Others guzzled only to black out un- serve. And that gives a charm that Such is my considered opinion. As endurable visions that rose in their never was elsewhere on land and sea; tives. a journalist, I have found it my for- I am a relative. I know my place. I imagination. But when they have it makes you know that God himself tune to meet many of the people who found their restoration, their imagi- is really charming, because the AA am not complaining. But I hope no are considered charming. I number one will mind if I venture the plain- nation is responsive to new incanta- people reflect his mercy and his foramong my friends stars and lesser tions, and their talk abounds with giveness.