Bill’s Story

Read Bill’s Story all the way through.
Define the term IDENTIFY and IDENTIFICATION.
Find at least three (3) times on Page 1 where you identify with Bill’s attitude, beliefs or feelings.
What do you think happened to Bill that caused him to be “much moved” inside Winchester Cathedral?
Page 1 – What does the phrase “ominous warning” mean?
Describe in detail, how your drinking mirrors Bill on pages 2 – 8?
1. How does it differ from Bill’s drinking?
Who brought the AA message to you?
1. Was there something different about this person versus other’s who have talked to you about your drinking? If so, what was different?
Have you ever looked down on “religious people”? If so, why?
On pages 10-12, Bill describes some of his thoughts about religion, church and God. What are your thoughts on religion, church and God?
Bill had an experience with God in his room at Town’s Hospital. Have ever had an experience with God? If so, describe what happened.
On page 11, Bill begins to see things differently. He sees Ebby’s powerlessness and admits his own powerlessness. Are you powerless? Have you admitted complete defeat?
On page 11 and page 12, what “floored” Bill about Ebby?
What do you think Bill means when he says that Ebby “was on different footing” and that his “roots grasped a new soil”?
On page 12, Bill writes, It was only a matter of being willing to believe in a Power greater than myself. Nothing more was required to make my beginning. I saw that growth could begin from that point.” What do think the phrases, “to make my beginning” and “growth could begin from that point” mean?
What was the novel idea that Ebby suggested to Bill?
What was required to make Bill’s beginning? What do you think is required of you to make your beginning?
What did Bill become convinced of? Are you convinced of the same things?
What do you think the phrase, “when we want Him enough” means? Do you “want Him enough”?
Bill then thinks back on his experiences “in” the cathedral. What do you think Bill means when he writes, “For a brief moment, I had needed and wanted God. There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me – and He came.”
What blotted out Bill’s experience in the cathedral? Has that ever happened to you?
Bill begins to work the 12 Steps. Find and underline them in your book.
On the last paragraph of page 13, Ebby promises Bill something, what is it? When will Bill receive it?
What are the essential requirements?
What do you think Bill means when he writes, “Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid. It meant the destruction of self-centeredness.”
Bill continues, “I must turn all things over to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” How do you feel about the phrasing, “all things”? Are you ready to do this? Why or why not?
The doctor that Bill called, Dr. William D. Silkworth, while in the hospital knows these experiences are real. Do you “know” they are real? How do you “know” they are real?
While Bill was laying in the hospital, what thought came to him?
What did Ebby emphasize to Bill?
What are the two ways we perfect and enlarge our spiritual life?
How do you feel about knowing there are “certain trials and low spots” coming in our future?
On page 15, Bill is really struggling with life after recovery has begun. What action amazingly lifted him up and set him back on his feet? Does that seem odd to you? Why or why not?
Bill writes that “There is scarcely any form of trouble and misery which has not been overcome amoung us”. Do you find “hope” in this statement? Why or why not?
What is the difference between people who “could not” and those who “would not” see our way of life?
When does faith have to work?
Where does faith have to work?
Why do you think the circle widens?
Describe any new impression you had of Bill’s Story as a result of this study.
Describe any new insights into recover that you may have had as a result of doing this study.
Will these insights change the way you sponsor others?
Will these insights change the way you listen for the message in meetings?