Karen Explores AA's Global Growth: Insights from the 1955 Forward
Our earliest print voiced the hope that every alcoholic who journeys will find the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous at his destination.
Imagine being part of a movement that started small but spread like wildfire across the globe. That's exactly what Karen delves into in this episode of 'Big Book with Karen'. She takes us back to 1955, reading and interpreting the Forward to the Second Edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This passage is a fascinating snapshot of AA's exponential growth since its humble beginnings in 1939.
Karen highlights how the Fellowship expanded to nearly 6,000 groups, reaching members not just in the United States and Canada, but also in the British Isles, Scandinavia, South Africa, South America, Mexico, and even far-flung places like Alaska, Australia, and Hawaii. Through her engaging narrative, Karen emphasizes the importance of understanding these early pages of the Big Book. They offer more than just historical context; they provide valuable insights into the evolution of AA and its program of recovery.
By revisiting these foundational texts, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation for the journey of sobriety and the global community that supports it. Whether you're new to recovery or have been on this path for years, Karen's thoughtful interpretation makes this episode a must-listen. She wraps up by encouraging everyone to read the forwards to the Big Book, underscoring their significance in grasping the full scope of AA's impact.
So, if you're curious about how a small group of determined individuals turned their struggles into a worldwide movement, this episode is for you.