Being of Service

Written by, Kathy C.

Webster’s Dictionary defines commitment as:
“An act of doing or performing something; a promise or pledge to do something.” I describe commitment as a simple extension of oneself in service to others, done in the name of gratitude.

We can have no speakers without listeners, no takers without givers. Being of service is simply being a giver. It is a selfless action for the good of others and to better Marijuana Anonymous as a whole.

MA cannot survive without the givers in our groups. What would a meeting be without a secretary or a treasurer; Intergroup (District) without GSRs; or the World Service Conference without participants? The future of MA depends upon the simple statement of one sober addict saying,

“What can I do to be of service?”

There are many avenues for being of service in Marijuana Anonymous from a simple commitment as a cookie, coffee, or chip person at a meeting, to a Trustee on the World Service Level. Our monthly Intergroup (District) will open the door to committee commitments in the area or literature, public information, hospitals and institution panel work, and so much more. Intergrou pis a monthly meeting designed to guide and oversees the business of Marijuana Anonymous. It is for ANYONE in MA interested in being of service, not just for General Service Representatives from individual meetings.

Being a giver and being of service will ensure we will always be there for those who still suffer. In giving to others, we get so much more in return. It is a means of returning the love shared to us when we initially walked that lonely walk in our first meeting. What better way to pass on the message than through selfless acts of giving our time, our energy, and our love.

Published in A New Leaf – April 1991

  • THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD 

    “Freedom from marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind altering substances” Written by, Carol M. There was quite a brouhaha about that statement a couple of years ago. Los Angeles County MA had incorporated and the four main groups of recovering pot addicts were unifying.  We had a meeting in Balboa Park and the Board of…

    THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD 
  • The Story of the Lotus Eaters

    Written by, Janet F. About 3000 years ago, the poet Homer told a story about a man called Odysseus, and his travels as he returned home to Greece from the Trojan Wars.  He and his men met up with many adventures along the way, but one I always remembered was when he and his crew…

    The Story of the Lotus Eaters
  • To God with Love, Goodbye to Drugs

    Written by, Regina H. God, I get so disgusted with myselfWhen I refuse to knock the drugsBlow it away with one giant breath,Breath in beauty and blow out death. The pain is like saying farewellTo the potions that made me do dares wellFar away was never far enough to run,Chasing that next hit hasn’t been…

    To God with Love, Goodbye to Drugs
  • Progress Not Perfection

    Written by, Mariska P. The Fourth MA Conference meant progress and letting go for me.  Just under two years ago, it was “us” versus “them” and now it is “we”, a true unified entity of marijuana addicts in recovery. My how far we have come. Imagine through all the different opinions and personalities, Marijuana Anonymous…

    Progress Not Perfection
  • Carrying the Message

    Written by, Andi A. The Twelfth Step tells us, having had a spiritual awakening as the result of the Steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs. I learned very early on in MA that service would help to keep me sober. It kept…

    Carrying the Message
  • Hugs, Service and Sobriety

    Written by, Tina K. Words can’t begin to express my feelings or explain the love that was generated through the 1991 World Conference. When I got clean and sober almost 18 months ago, I honestly didn’t think I’d have a good time doing it! I had a chance to be of service this weekend and…

    Hugs, Service and Sobriety