Inner Voice

October 2023

Newsletter of New Freedom Intergroup of OA
Step 10: Continued to takepersonal inventory andwhen we were wrong,
promptly admitted it.
• Spiritual Principle:
Perseverance
Tradition 10: Overeaters
Anonymous has no opinionon outside issues; hence,
the OA name ought neverbe drawn into public
controversy.
• Spiritual Principle:
Neutrality
Concept 10: Service
responsibility is balanced
by carefully defined service
authority; therefore,
duplication of efforts isavoided.
• Spiritual Principle: Clarity
Promise 10: We will
intuitively know how tohandle situations whichused to baffle us.

OUR TURN!
Over the past few months we’ve featured the results of another region’s (Region6) writing assignments. Our Twelve Step Within Committee is asking us to takeour turn and...

Remember That Time…?
Write About It!
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Do you remember that time that you were
having a really crappy day and out of the blue,
someone from OA called you, and regardlessof what you talked about, you felt better
when you hung up the phone?

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Do you remember that time that someone’s share from your last meeting
popped into your mind and you decided to call them to see how they
were doing? Remember that feeling of satisfaction after having reachedout?

•

Do you remember the last time that you were in the compulsion andobsessing about a binge food, and you picked up the phone and called
another OA member? …and you didn’t binge!?

•

What about that time someone texted you and wrote that they wanted toovereat and were looking for support….and you gave it to them!

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Or how about when you FINALLY got the courage to ask that person tosponsor you…

The Twelve Step Within Committee is requesting that members write shortarticles describing a time that you reached out – or a time when someone fromOA reached out to you – and it made a difference. We want to celebrate the joyof giving and receiving support in the fellowship. Send your submissions toinnervoicenfi@gmail.com by December 20, and we will start the new year freshwith a feature in the January issue!

-1NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

Step 10: Wrong?!?

Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when wewere wrong, promptly admitted it.

This is my favorite step mainly because I spent the first 25 years of my marriage never being wrong. If you believe that,which I did, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
My husband would say I would die before I’d admit I was wrong and I would just look at him and think, “Sore loser,”believing that if I had been wrong of course I’d have admitted it! Just so happened I never was…
I also liked the idea of a personal inventory because I wanted to see if the steps were working or not, so I did Step 10
from the beginning of my 12-step life in another program. It was very reassuring to see that I was changing a bit every
day, less controlling, less bossy, less happy to scold everyone, etc.
We were doing steps in a workbook and when we got to Step 10, I had realized that part of my pattern was if I felt bad, I
would find out whose fault it was, because everything that happened was someone’s fault, and shame them and blame
them till I felt better. It was what we did in my family.
I laugh at this now. Stuff happens and it is not always someone’s fault.
One day, inadvertently Bob hurt my feelings, and then he asked me, “what’s for lunch?” I shamed and blamed him overwanting lunch because I was hurt. As he walked off, I realized that blaming him was just mean, i.e., wrong. So I took amoment to get ready to promptly admit I was wrong, and followed him into his office. He didn’t look glad to see me!
I stood there at the door and started to say “I was wrong,” but the words came out as a croak because my throat seized
up. Two things happened at that moment. I realized he was right that I had been unwilling to ever admit I was wrong,and he still was there, so I didn’t have to be perfect to be loved. The other thing was this feeling like a big rock had rolled
off my back, because it is so much work having to be right. You have to twist things and ignore reality, etc. It was such a
relief!
Keeping track of my progress in recovery is one of my joys. I no longer have to correct others, know the one right way
for everyone, give directions, be brilliantly sarcastic. Whatever is going on, I can work on me so I don’t have to react toeverything. My old ways are slowly leaving me and I am actually accepting people as they are, being kind to the best of
my ability, having compassion, and recovering one little step, word, action at a time. Happy.
— PM, Gainesville FL

More on Step 9 from the Region:
Amends to My Mother
I’d like to share with you my current step work regarding a resentment toward my mother. I resented my mother forover eight years because she suffers from mental illness and addiction and is not honest with herself about it. Often, she
acts overly sweet, making it difficult for me to set healthy boundaries with her. I have often pitied her instead of feelinglove for her. This has added to my resentful feelings. As the instructions in the Big Book tell me, I need to ask myself
what instincts in me were threatened as a result of this resentment. After careful thought, I was able to see that my selfesteem, security, ambitions, and personal relationships were all affected. Underlying everything, of course, was fear. I
was able to connect with God and see my part in the resentment: I was criticizing another sick and suffering person, andfeeling superior to them (in this case, my mom).
It was not my job to assassinate my mother’s character, but rather to celebrate the person who she is. Here is how I
implemented my amends to my mother: I took her out to eat for her birthday and paid for our dinner. I stayed true tomy program by committing my food ahead of time. I made this get-together about spending quality time with my-2NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

mother, and not all about me. And in line with being of service, I planned to help newcomers at my 7 pm meeting thatnight, followed by a meeting with my sponsor to work on Step 5. Today I can give people, especially my mother, the giftof living in the moment. In the next 24 hours I can be free of this resentment and make my amends. I can make up for
missing my mom’s 50th birthday by showing up for her today. All this is possible because I am willing to reach out to myHigher Power and work the steps.
– JA

Tradition Ten:
Tradition 10: Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence, the OA nameought never be drawn into public controversy.
OA’s PRIMARY PURPOSE is to help those who suffer from compulsive overeating/compulsive food behaviors torecover, finding freedom, joy, and serenity in that recovery. Tradition Ten allows OA to stay focused on that primary
purpose. If OA supported or endorsed unrelated issues - issues that dilute or cause us to stray from our primary
purpose, it could not be as effective in helping compulsive eaters recover.
There is one thing that EVERYONE in OA shares – a problem with food, and a desire to solve that problem. Otherwise,
members of OA are extremely different. We come from many different walks of life, economic levels, social andcultural groups. We are a very diverse group of people. Likewise, our opinions on all issues other than our foodproblem are very diverse. Many members of OA would feel alienated if OA began endorsing political, religious, or
social ideologies. This would damage our fellowship. Our fellowship is based on the shared problem and a shareddesire to solve that problem.
Outside of OA activities, members are free to follow and participate in whatever political, religious, or social beliefs,
opinions, and activities they choose. In respect to tradition ten, we are careful not to bring these unrelated/outside
opinions into OA. I was once admonished (and rightly so) by my sponsor for wearing a t-shirt to an OA meeting that
had the name of my favorite political candidate written in bold letters on it. She reminded me that I am a member of afellowship and bringing outside issues into the meeting could alienate other members…make them feel
uncomfortable…cause discussion unrelated to OA at the meeting. As a member of a fellowship, I want to take action tostrengthen the fellowship, not to weaken or dilute it.
Tradition Ten also reminds us not to criticize or degrade outside issues, or opinions inside the rooms. We must remain
neutral to outside issues so that the focus constantly remains on our food problem and the solution to it. We do notwant to alienate others by inadvertently criticizing their outside beliefs by making negative comments. As recovering
addicts, many of us have enjoyed conflict and its ensuing drama. This tradition requires us to avoid these behaviors to
support the unity of the fellowship.
What exactly are “outside issues”? Some are obvious, like politics and religion. Others are more subtle. What aboutpaid for weight loss programs or non-OA literature about nutrition and dieting, or about spiritual pursuits? OA
develops its own literature to keep the message simple, constant, and pure. In meetings, we need to avoid endorsing
outside weight loss businesses and literature that is not OA approved. Newcomers need to hear a consistent message
from all of us. Of course, outside of OA activities, we are free to read any literature or support any business we choose.
Our Twelve and Twelve tells us that “Tradition Ten frees us to concentrate on recovery from compulsive eating without
the conflicts that seem to rage in the world around us.” Let’s enjoy that freedom and the unity it brings our fellowshipby keeping the focus on recovery from compulsive eating/compulsive food behaviors, rather than on outside issues.
— Lucy-3NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

Concept 10 – Not Splitting Authority
Concept 10: Service responsibility is balanced by carefully defined service authority;
therefore, duplication of efforts is avoided.1
Nearly all societies and governments of today exhibit serious deviations from the very sound principle that each
operational responsibility must be accompanied by a corresponding authority to discharge it.
In our parent society of Alcoholics Anonymous, great lengths were taken to define the several authorities andresponsibilities of the A.A. groups, the Conference, the trustees, and our active service corporations. This concept isdesigned to ensure that authority in each of these levels is equal to responsibility.
This concept delivers a core characteristic of every good operational structure — it guarantees harmonious andeffective function by relating its several parts and people in such a way that none can doubt what their respective
responsibilities and corresponding authorities are.
Unless these job functions are well defined; unless those holding the final authority are able and willing properly todelegate and maintain a suitable operational authority; unless those holding such delegated authority feel able andwilling to use their delegated authority freely as trusted servants; and unless there exists some definite means ofinterpreting and deciding doubtful situations – then personal clashes, confusion, and ineffectiveness will be inevitable.
Concept 10 is designed to help limit these potential issues.
In practical terms, this concept requires each OA member to consider how they handle authority as a trusted servant.
Am I a dictator with those I sponsor, with my spouse and children, or at work? Can I now trust others to carry out their
responsibilities when I delegate jobs to them? Do I use my authority sparingly? Can I imitate my Higher Power in theloving way he trusts me?
The other half of this concept teaches me to have respect for the authority God has given us. The tenth concept
inspires us to want to help accomplish the tasks God has created for us. Most important for those considering thetenth concept: When there is conflict, can I surrender to the group conscience as the ultimate authority?2
Bill Wilson, founder, AA, remarks on Concept 10, “A condition to be avoided at all costs is double-headed business orpolicy management. Authority can never be divided into equal halves. Nowhere does such split authority or doubleheaded management so bedevil a structure as in its executive departments. The vital need of avoiding double-headed
executive management will be fully discussed under Concept XI.”2
It is interesting to see the lengths Bill Wilson goes to in the tenth concept to explain the proper use of authority in A.A.
He was trying to let go of the reins of Alcoholics Anonymous, and he was trying to see that the principles of A.A. would
survive without him. He felt that the tenth concept helped solve the issue of handling authority in the service
structures of A.A. with sober alcoholics, who all think they are experts on authority.2
A suggested tenth concept service prayer: Father, teach me to be responsible for all the talents you have given me,
and may I not rebel, but accept the authority you give to others over me since it comes from you.2
To learn more about our OA service structure, please check out Service Bodies on the OA website and read thepamphlet The Twelve Concepts of OA Service. If you wish to get involved or volunteer in New Freedom Intergroup,
please visit https://oanfig.org/ and throw your hat in the ring!
— John K.
1

See The Twelve Concepts of OA Service; Spiritual principles for all we serve. Overeaters Anonymous brochure; ©2001,
2009 Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Rev. 9/2022.
2

Preparing for the Tenth Concept of Service; Accessed on 9.19.23 from https://1212and12.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/02/1212and12_concept_10.pdf-4NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY! BASKETS NEEDED!
Do you have interest in making a basket for the October Recovery Convention, but you’re
not sure where to start? Look no further! Here’s a quick FAQ about basket auctions andsome tips to help you make a basket that everyone wants to bid on! At the Tybee Island
Recovery Convention, this will be a silent auction, which means a bidding sheet will beplaced next to the basket and attendees will increase the bid based on how much theywant that basket or item! There is always a minimum starting bid.
Q: What’s a basket auction?
A: Groups or individuals contribute baskets for a silent auction. These baskets generally
combine smaller value item donations around enticing themes to attract bidders. Gift cards may be included.
Q: Do I have to use an actual basket?
A: Nope! Feel free to get creative! Also note that your contribution does not have to consist of a bundle ofthings. For instance, if you’d like to offer something like a single painting or a solo needlepoint, you do nothave to include it as part of a basket.
Q: Do I have to have a theme?
A: Again, nope! Go with what makes you happy and brings you joy. Odds are someone else will feel the sameway.
Q: Can my meeting supply a basket? Can I do more than one?
A: Absolutely! Baskets can be donated by individuals, meetings, intergroups, etc. You are also welcome tosubmit as many as you would like!
Q: Should I include a list of the items?
A: Yes, please provide a list of the items that areincluded in the basket. For example: 1 notebook, 1
OA 12&12 book, Candle, Teddy Bear, $25 Target
Gift card...etc. While mysteries can be fun, you are
more likely to entice bidders if they know what isincluded. Also, please provide an actual (orestimated) VALUE for the basket/item. We start
the minimum bids as a percentage of the value.
Q: Are there things I should NOT include in abasket?
A: Please do not include food items that contain sugar (teas and coffees are okay). Do not include literaturethat is not approved by OA WSO (Blank journals are okay). For a list of conference approved literature,please visit https://www.oa.org/pdfs/oa_approved_literature_list.pdf.
Q: How should I donate my basket?

-5NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

A: When you check in at registration, you can also drop off your basket. Please make sure to wrap baskets inclear cellophane or otherwise ensure that all items are secured in the basket. Georgette P is overseeing thesilent auction – she will gladly ensure your basket makes it to the appropriate table.
If you have a question that I didn’t think of, please email me at chairnfi@gmail.com.
Need ideas of what to include or suggestions of themes?
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A newcomer’s basket could include a copy of the 12&12, pamphlet, wallet cards
with slogans, a journal for taking notes, etc.
A book worm’s basket could include bookmarks, crafty book ends, a copy of the Big Book,
highlighters, etc.
A game night themed basket could include board games, card games, trivia-themed items…
Handcrafted items such as crocheted or knitted crafts, needlepoints, paintings, ceramics,
holiday wreaths or door décor, etc.
Hobby baskets can focus on a special interest such as: Gardening (use a flower pot or planter forthe base, include seeds, a watering can, gloves, etc.). Fishing (start with a tackle box, add a hat,some lures, gift card to Bass Pro, Shop, etc.). Painting (could include a paint by numbers kit, mini
canvases, paint brush set, etc.)
Pampering baskets can include things like bath bombs, candles, pedicure and manicure kits, etc.
Assorted gift cards.
Halloween themed baskets (we will be in October after all!). Could start with a plastic pumpkinbase and be full of fun fall decorations, horror movies, etc. (But NO candy!!! Duh.)And don’t be afraid to get creative with your containers as well as your content!

Trusted Servants and Committee Chairs (New emails)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chair
Vice Chair/Bylaws
Treasurer
Secretary
Delegate
Newsletter/Meeting List
Public Info/Prof. Outreach
Young Persons
12th Step Within
Sponsor CoordinatorWebsiteWays and Means

Secretary will forward as needed
Echo G.
561.704.2917
Barbara C.
352.474.1366
Carly B.
303.710.0589
Sandi JC912.464.4231
VACANT—Consider doing service
Mark W.
904.527.3433
Nancy K.
516.286.1888
VACANT—Consider doing service
Georgette P.
352.870.4454
Hailey404.797.5586
Brian B.
904.616.0608
VACANT—Consider doing service

oanfig@gmail.com
chairnfi@gmail.com
vicechairnfi@gmail.com
nfitreasury@gmail.com
oanfig@gmail.com
delegatenfi@gmail.com
innervoicenfi@gmail.com
piponfig@gmail.com
youngpeoplenfi@gmail.com
ghabanero56@yahoo.com
sponsor.nfig@gmail.com
websitenfi@gmail.com
wandmnfi@gmail.com-6NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

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-7NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

-8NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

Highlights of the September NFI Business Meeting:(Note: These are NOT the official minutes; they are only a recap of what was discussed. Official minutes are released
after changes and approval in the next month’s business meeting.)
New Freedom Intergroup business meeting was held September 9. Each meeting is welcome and encouraged to send
two voting members, and as many observers as desire to attend. The meeting is always the second Saturday of themonth (unless otherwise decided) and runs for one and a half hours. Thus, the next business meeting is Saturday,
October 14th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am by Zoom. (Meeting ID: 872 7218 1719, Password: 883350).
Highlights of what was covered at the September business meeting:Service Opportunities: We need to fill the following service positions: Delegate, Parliamentarian, Young Persons
subcommittee chair, and Ways and Means chair. Other committees also need volunteers to provide service.
Volunteers are still needed to help:••

SOAR 8 Recovery Convention and Business Assembly. This committee will be planning all the events to be held
for the recovery convention and business assembly for fall 2023 in Tybee Island (near Savannah), GA. We need
you – and there is no time like the present to get started giving service. Let Augusta L know if you areinterested.
Eventbrite Registration for the event is live, make sure to register early to save! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soar-8-recovery-convention-business-assembly-fall-2023-tickets-532666328327

Other Items of Note:
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All meetings are to let Chair know about changes in format. Thank you to those who sent us updates thismonth! They should be reflected on the website and meeting list.
We made a subcommittee to collect information for potential insurers for 2024 when we need to renew our
insurance. This year saw an increase of 40+% and we’d like to see if we can find better rates while maintaining
our level of coverage. The plan for now is to gather contact information for various companies and then in
March of 2024 we’ll reach out to said points of contact to get quotes for our renewal in May 2024.
Discussed hybrid meetings: best practices, equipment and expertise limitations, examples from meetings, etc.
Overall a great discussion that helped us to understand why a meeting might be best served to be hybrid, gavesome ideas for improving our hybrid meetings, and helped us all to understand hybrid meetings better.
Reviewed which meetings may be planning for special events/focus meetings around the upcoming holidays. If
your meeting is planning to do something special and needs any help from NFI, please let us know! We’ll try tohave a firmer list of who is offering what next month if we can.
Discussed upcoming elections for Chair and Treasurer. Nominations occur in October, nominees will have achance to present their experience and share a pitch to NFI in November, and we vote in December. Look forthe article on these upcoming positions in this newsletter for more information!

Upcoming Elections for Intergroup Board Members:
Per our bylaws, which we revised in May of 2022, we elect our board members in alternating years (Chair andTreasurer in odd years, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Delegate in even years) to serve two-year terms. So that means in
December of this year (2023), we’ll be electing our Chair and our Treasurer to serve from January 2024 to December
2025. And then in December 2024, we’ll be electing our Vice Chair, Secretary, and Delegate, so if you’re interested inthose roles, keep reading too! Because there is a requirement to perform service above the group level, it may be timefor you to start getting your feet wet at the intergroup.
What are the requirements to be an intergroup board member?
Per our bylaws as of September 2023:
To qualify for election to the Intergroup Board, a candidate must:-9NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

1. Be working the OA Twelve Steps, the OA Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of OA Service to the bestof their ability.
2. Have the minimum amount of current continuous abstinence as defined by OA World Service as follows:• Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Delegate shall have one (1) year of current abstinence.
• Secretary will have six (6) months of current abstinence.
2. Have attended at least six (6) Intergroup meetings.
3. Have given service above the group level for a minimum of one (1) year.
4. Be a regular member of an affiliated OANFI member group.
Note that there are additional requirements for the delegate, and these can be found in the bylaws.
What are the responsibilities of the Chair?
For the full and official list of the Chair’s responsibilities, please refer to the bylaws. In summary, though, the Chaircreates a written agenda for our regular OANFI business meetings and any special meetings that are needed (board
meetings, etc.). The Chair presides over the monthly meeting, navigating through the agenda and making sure that
Parliamentary procedure is followed throughout (note: the Chair may appoint a Parliamentarian to assist with that).
The Chair cannot make, second, or amend any motion from the floor, but can participate in the discussion and may
cast the deciding vote to break ties as needed. They are also allowed to attend any OANFI committee meetings thatthey would like to and are able to. Essentially, the Chair is considered a de facto member of the committee. The Chairis also responsible for being a signatory for the bank account and is responsible for forming audit committees asneeded (for example: after an OANFI sponsored event or retreat), so there will likely be a need to arrange a time tophysically go to the bank to handle paperwork as part of the transfer of the role to a new Chair.
What are the responsibilities of the Treasurer?
For the full and official list of the Treasurer’s responsibilities, please review the bylaws. Generally, though, theTreasurer’s biggest responsibility is maintaining the bank accounts as necessary for thedispersal of intergroup funds.
We have several accounts, so it is recommended that the Treasurermaintain some sort of spreadsheet or official
record that shows the source of all income and expenses for each account and provides a balance. They are also asigner for the bank account and must collectincoming checks sent to the post office box maintained by the intergroup,
thus they may be required totravel to both the post office and a physical bank location to deposit checks, fill out
paperwork, etc. on aregular basis (about once a month is usually sufficient). The Treasurer assists with all audits andmust also chair the Annual Budget Planning Committee meeting and present the budget for approval to the intergroup.
While it helps to be pretty good with numbers, please note that we do not require any special certification or
accounting experience to be the Treasurer.
I’m interested, but… who should I contact to learn more?
Echo, the current chair, can be reached at chairnfi@gmail.com and would be happy to answer any questions you might
have!
Carly, the current treasurer, can be contacted at eastcoastgirl1020@yahoo.com and welcomes any questions! ALSO!
Special note!! We have the Recovery Convention coming up in October (27-29) and Carly would welcome anyone who
might be interested in shadowing her as she serves as the Treasurer for the event!
What comes next?
If you’re qualified and want to run, nominations will occur at the October 14th business meeting. You can ask someone
in advance to nominate you or you are welcome to self-nominate if you’d like. Once nominations are accepted andconfirmed, candidates will have a chance to speak about their experience and share a pitch at the November 11th
business meeting. Then on December 9th we’ll have our elections and any new board members will begin their terms
in January 2024.

-10NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

Fall 2021 Writing Assignment (Region 6)
By Chuck F., November 8, 2021

Topic: If you were guiding a sponsee on how to find theirHigher Power, what would you say?
As an agnostic myself when I came into this program, I can understand the difficulties one may have with the spiritual
aspect of our program. However, I wanted what the members in recovery had and I worked hard to get it, especiallyon my relationship with this force greater than my own.
My understanding didn’t all come to me instantly. I followed guidance from the OA pamphlet “What if I Don’t Believe
in God?” and read the “We Agnostics” chapter in the Big Book.
Since one of my ingrained character flaws is need for control, I had to start by trusting small things. Admitting that it
worked, I was able to continue to give up more and more control. I became willing to listen to the little voice insideme.
– Kim L.
In guiding a sponsee seeking a Higher Power I would share my own story.
I came in as a devout agnostic. When the format at my first meeting said “take what you like and leave the rest,” Ithought “great, I don’t have to leave.” I could just ignore all the Higher Power and God stuff. That is probably the only
reason I was willing to come back for my second, third, and subsequent meetings.
Over time I heard so many people share that HP didn’t have to be the God I had assumed and didn’t have to be in any
way associated with organized religion. I was able to discern that those with a sense of a HP had a centeredness andrecovery. So over time, my thinking on an HP softened.
Meanwhile, unexplainable things began happening. I was able to stay abstinent. I was dropping weight and fitting into
smaller-sized clothes, day after day, week after week, month after month. Something I had always thought was
impossible was happening.
And then other “coincidences” kept happening that were, to me, pretty mind blowing. I became aware that neither I
nor any other person could have made them possible.
Then, at a MWI annual retreat on HP, a friend of mine volunteered me to read “Spiritual Experience” from the Big
Book. I had never read it and was befuddled by being volunteered. So there I am, the agnostic, reading the Big Book toa room of 40+ people. During and after that, my determination to leave HP out of my program was softened. I might
now have a willingness to consider that there was an HP in my life.
Later in the retreat, we were invited to write a job description for an HP. I found myself with tears streaming down mycheeks as I wrote what I needed. My heart ached for something outside of myself that I could rely on, no matter what.
I was willing to see that I needed help, that someone outside of myself had helped me accept an HP into my life. By
remaining open and trusting, I developed an understanding for myself what my HP is and continues to be.
That HP has been with me for 16 years, through abstinence and relapse. Always there, reminding me that I am enough,I have enough, that it is just perfect that I am imperfect and that I have so much to be grateful for. And mostimportantly, to trust that no matter what, everything will be okay.
Over this time, I have been given a life and the gift of a better understanding of how to navigate it, beyond my wildest
dreams.

-11NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

– Susan M G
Shortly after I joined OA on September 20, 2010, a sponsor said, “It’s never too soon for Step 11. Are you willing topray and meditate each day?” When I said yes, my sponsor suggested I start talking to my Higher Power (throughprayer) while walking through the streets of New York City, then listening for my Higher Power’s response (throughmeditation). At that time, city streets were a mine field of triggers, and I struggled mightily to avoid delis and bakeries
for my next binge.
“Out loud?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “Just put your cell phone to your ear and start talking.” While it felt strange atfirst, I found my Higher Power through these daily conversations, and on November 12, 2010, I found my abstinence.
Like my plan of eating (which I consider a living document), my relationship with my Higher Power is an ever-changing
partnership that requires conversation to maintain.
One day at a time, I discover and re-discover my Higher Power by working the steps and using the nine tools. I’mespecially grateful for the tool of Service, which, thanks to OA, I give both in and outside the rooms. Time and again,
it’s this tool that connects me to my Higher Power most.
– Sarah W
Think of all the best traits of all the people you admire, whether they are living, deceased, or fictionalized. Imagine an
all-powerful being that encompasses all those traits plus all the characteristics you would desire in a best friend,
mentor, protector, and guide. Assemble all these facets of character into a being that you can feel comfortablecommunicating with as your Higher Power.
– Diane T
In helping a sponsee with finding a Higher Power, I would suggest they try writing down the attributes they would liketheir HP to have. I would ask them to remember that OA asks that their HP be loving and caring. Then maybe to
imagine resting in the arms of a loving and caring Higher Power at least once or twice a day. And to begin talking toand with their HP everyday – wherever and whenever it comes to mind – just as they would talk to a friend. I’ve also
heard it said to try putting an empty chair next to you at times if it helps.
– Gina R
If I were guiding a new sponsee in helping to find their higher power, I would first ask them to take a few breaths andrelax. Then ask them to recall if they have a family member, or a teacher, or a friend, etc. who deeply loves or loved
them, who was kind to them. Then I would ask them what that feels like. I would share that my higher power feels likethat love I received from a cherished loved one. I would also suggest that this power is personal. I would ask that they
write about what they would like in a power who cares deeply about them. Also, they can listen to others in meetings.
It is a place to start.
– Nancy H
I would pass on what I was told to do and what worked for me. Write a job description of all thequalities/characteristics that you need your H.P. to have. Then burn the job description as a symbol of posting it out
into the world. Then “act as if” until the spiritual awakening happens. After you are able to believe, you will no longer
have to act as if.
– Lee R
Connecting with a Higher Power is about sincerely communicating, asking for help. When we ask and we are sincere
the assistance is given. It is based upon our lived experience developing our relationship with our Higher Power.
– Barbara W-12NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

I was very opposed to the concept of God or a Higher Power when I came in. But I was able to get through Step 2
based on a single letter, C. Could a power greater than me restore me to sanity? That’s a hard proposition to turndown, for me. Since I knew I wasn’t the Highest Power, based on how poorly I was getting along, I could agree that
there was one higher than me. But if it had said that it Would restore me to sanity, I wouldn’t have gone for it.
– Michael P
How to tell a sponsee about a HP. I tell the sponsee to write down what they would like their higher power to be, likeloving, kind, and always present. Then I tell them that those qualities can be assigned to their HP. This is the Spiritualjourney I try to impart to a newcomer.
– Virginia M
This is what I would say to a newcomer:
Dear Newcomer,
You may be wondering what all this talk in OA is about a higher power.? Many people have difficulty with this concept.
Your best advice will come from Chapter 4 of the Big Book of AA. That chapter is titled “We Agnostics.” It addresses theneeds of atheists and religious believers as well. It gives a very clear distinction between being religious and having
spirituality in your life.
There are also many slogans in OA related to spirituality that we learn to help us along the way. These slogans are:
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PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens
Serenity Prayer“Act As If” you believe
Don’t give up before the miracle
I can’t, He can, so I think I’ll let Him”
Make the group your higher power?

Here is a group of people who have found a solution to a devastating illness.
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Any Higher Power will work as long as it is not you.
FROG – Fully Rely On God
3rd Step prayer found in AA 12 & 12 book
7th Step prayer found in AA 12 & 12 book
Ask G-d to help you deal with a situation, not to have a situation turn out a certain way. Ex: “Give me thestrength to deal with the situation.“
We have had food as our higher power for all these years, so it should not be that difficult to switch to adifferent higher power, one that is loving and kind and will help us if we ask.
Prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening to God.
Humility is very important to recovery. We do not demand that God change us. “We humbly ask him/her toremove our shortcomings” in Step 7.
Write a “Dear God Letter.” Have God write a letter back to you.
People for thousands of years have found comfort in believing.

Let’s start with reading the chapter “We Agnostics” in the Big Book together. I am sure it will generate much discussion
between us.
– Judy K.

-13NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

Events from All Over

-14NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

-15NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

-16NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

-17NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

Where are yourdonations going?
According to our Seventh Tradition,
we are self-supporting through ourown contributions. To donate
directly to Intergroup, write a checkmade payable to ‘NFI’ and mail to:
OA NFI, PO Box 550842, Jacksonville,
FL 32255; or log onto oanfig.org andscroll down to the ‘donate’ button.
You may pay by PayPal or credit card.
When you contribute your 7th
Tradition donations, if you indicate
your group number, the donation
will be recorded for that specificgroup. When we do not have a group
number to work with, we may
include the donations as unspecified.
Each 9, NFI tallies the groupdonations and sends 10% of the total
to Region 8, with an additional 30%
to the World Service Office.
Donations sent directly to World
Service Office do not reflect in ourgroup donations total.

Articles printed in this newsletter reflect the opinion of each individual OA member and do not represent OA as awhole. Intergroup meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The deadline to submit articles is the 20th of the month
before the Intergroup meeting. Articles may be edited. When submitting articles, please include your name andphone number and whether or not you would like your name printed. This newsletter may be reproduced andenjoyed by other 12-steppers without written permission. If you would like to submit articles and/or comments, or if
you would like to receive the Inner Voice in color as a pdf, send your email address to the Newsletter Chair at
innervoicenfi@gmail.com.

-18NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org

More from Region 8
A new way to carry the message!
Region 8 announces an excellent resource page with links to valuable OA information tobenefit newcomers, returning and current members. Maybe even the "old timers."
Have you read the appendices to Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition? They include writingson The Role of a Plan of Eating, A Disease of the Mind, A Disease of the Mind, A Disease of theBody, A Disease of the Spirit and more.
People may scan this QR code (point your smart phone’s camera at the QR code and it will pop
up a link) and connect to the Region 8 resources page. Please feel free to print this informationand pass around in face-to-face meetings or insert into a visual format for virtual meetings.
Check it out — Pass it on!

-19NEW FREEDOM INTERGROUPPO Box 550842 • Jacksonville, FL 32255-0842 • Email: oanfig@gmail.com • Website: www.oanfig.org