Taking Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Willingness is the foundation. Believing is the cornerstone. Our decision is the keystone.

Closing out Step 5, In a quiet hour of reflection and medication we asked ourselves the questions at the bottom of page 75. "Are the stones properly in place?"

pg. 76 "If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at STEP SIX. We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable [the foundation upon which recovery is built]."

In the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous much experience, strength and hope is shared on the subject of defects of character and shortcomings in Step 7. Undoubtedly you'll hear those who'll want to draw distinctions between the two terms. To perhaps resolve the issue I think its best to go to the source. In a personal letter in the Alcoholics Anonymous General Services Office (G.S.O.) archives, Bill W. commented as dated March 7, 1963:

"Thanks for your inquiry, requesting to know the difference between ‘defects of character’ and ‘shortcomings’ — as those words appear in the Steps. Actually I don’t remember any particular significance in these phrases. In my mind, the meaning is identical; I guess I just used two ways of expression, rather than to repeat myself. It’s just as simple as that."

In another letter, dated November 16, 1965, Bill again responded to a similar inquiry. His letter read, in part:

"When these Steps were being done, I didn’t want to repeat the phrase ‘character defects’ twice in succession. Therefore in Step Seven, I substituted ‘shortcomings’, thereby equating ‘shortcomings’ with ‘defects.’ When reading most people do equate that way and there seems to be no difficulty. I used them as though they both meant exactly the same thing — which they appear to many people."

We began working on creating this list of our defects of character in Step 4 and would disclose those shortcomings as the "exact nature of our wrongs" to our sponsor in Step 5.

pg. 76 " Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now take them all--every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing."

Read Step 6, pages 63 - 69, in the Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions

pg. in Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions, "There is a big difference between striving for a self-determined objective and for the perfect objective which is of God. The only urgent thing is that we make a beginning, and keep trying. We shall need to raise our eyes toward perfection, and be ready to walk in that direction. It will seldom matter how haltingly we walk. The only question will be "Are we ready?" It is suggested that we ought to become entirely willing to aim toward perfection. We note that some delay, however, might be pardoned. That word, in the mind of a rationalizing alcoholic, could certainly be given a long-term meaning. He could say, 'How very easy! Sure, I'll head toward perfection, but I'm certainly not going to hurry any. Maybe I can postpone dealing with some of my problems indefinitely.' Of course, this WON'T do. Such a bluffing of oneself will have to go the way of many another pleasant rationalization. At the very least, we shall HAVE TO come to grips with some of our worst character defects AND take action toward their removal as quickly as we can. The moment we say, 'No, never!' our minds close against the grace of God. Delay is dangerous, and rebellion may be FATAL. This is the exact point at which we abandon limited objectives, and move toward God's Will for us."

Question: Ask yourself, Is the God of my own understanding capable of removing my defects, and am I willing to ask my Higher Power to help me with these shortcomings? If I am NOT yet entirely ready [without any reservations whatever] to turn over one or more of these human failings to my Higher Power, I pray to ask God to help me become willing.

You will go on to Step 7 being mindful of whatever level of willingness you find yourself. If you not willing to let go particular defects, continue to pray for the willingness and it WILL come.