Step 10—

Continued to take personal inventory
and when we were wrong
promptly admitted it.

In the AA recovery book, As Bill Sees It, on page 326, it is entitled, “Welcome Criticism” and offers some excellent advice. Bill quotes from a letter written in 1955:

Welcome Criticism

“Thanks much for your letter of criticism. I’m certain that had it not been for its strong critics, A.A. would have made slower progress.”

“For myself, I have come to set a high value on the people who have criticized me, whether they have seemed reasonable critics or unreasonable ones. Both have often restrained me from doing much worse than I actually have done. The unreasonable ones have taught me, I hope, a little patience. But the reasonable ones have always done a great job for all of A.A.—and have taught me many a valuable lesson.”

Feedback

I agree with the idea that criticism can be beneficial, but it’s not always correct. In one drug rehab our family participated in years ago, they had a saying that I found useful about receiving feedback or criticism from others:

“If it doesn’t apply, let it fly.”

However, if the feedback or criticism does apply, we should be humble enough to take it in and make a change in our lives. Often times, we have “blind spots” that we can’t see until someone points it out to us. True humility will bless our lives as we continue to take “personal inventory” of our lives and admit when we have made a mistake.

Humility

To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous.

Jesus Christ is our greatest example of humility. During His mortal ministry, He always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: "I can of mine own self do nothing. … I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30).

The Lord will strengthen us as we humble ourselves before Him. James taught: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. … Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:6, 10).

Personal Inventory

It’s an ongoing journey
As I walk along
And take personal inventory
Of the right and the wrong—

That goes on in my life
Day by day;
But this is the message
I’d like to say:

I know I’m often wrong,
But I want to do things right
And the faster I admit I’m wrong,
The sooner comes the Light.

So, be patient with me,
And give me another chance.
My heart’s in the right place,
But I don’t know the dance.

But, if you’ll look at my face
You’ll see love in my eyes,
For I really am trying
To get rid of the lies.

So talk to me, dance with me,
Walk by my side.
I know I can make it
When I give up my pride.

Each time I say, “Sorry,”
Please know I’m sincere,
For I’m never going back
To my old pain and fear.

God’s Power: Alcoholics Anonymous Step #10