Article November 24, 1962 Issue

Signs of the Times

Bill

AA Grapevine

From "Spiritual Experiences" by Bill in the AA Grapevine, monthly journal of Alcoholics Anonymous New York, New York

As most AAs have heard, I was the recipient in 1934 of a tremendous mystic experience or "illumination." It was accompanied by a sense of intense white light, by a sudden gift of faith in the goodness of God, and by a profound conviction of His presence. At first it was very natural for me to feel that this experience staked me out for somebody very special.

But as I now look back upon this tremendous event, I can only feel very specially grateful. It now seems clear that the only special feature of my experience was its electric suddenness and the overwhelming and immediate conviction that it carried to me. ...

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