FREEDOM FROM FEAR
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for September 17.
Freedom from fear is a core promise of the Twelve Steps. In the Big Book, we learn that fear is the chief obstacle between us and a useful, happy life. The Fourth Step inventory [Page 67] asks us to list our fears, examining how self-reliance and selfishness feed them. The Seventh Step prayer [Page 76] directly asks to be relieved of the bondage of self, which includes fear. Living without fear doesn't mean we never feel it — it means we no longer let it drive our decisions. As the Promises say, 'We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it' [Page 83]. That freedom comes from trusting a Power greater than ourselves and from the daily practice of Steps Ten and Eleven. The result is a calm, steady confidence that no matter what happens, we are taken care of. That's real freedom from fear.
What fear keeps showing up in your life today, and what Step can you take to turn it over to your Higher Power?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for September 17?
The theme for September 17 is “Freedom from Fear.” Freedom from fear is a core promise of the Twelve Steps.
What fear keeps showing up in your life today, and what Step can you take to turn it over to your Higher Power?
The result is a calm, steady confidence that no matter what happens, we are taken care of. That's real freedom from fear. (Big Book: Chapter 5, pages 67-68; Chapter 6, pages 76, 83-84)