The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous firmly believed that it was not just any higher power that heals us but the one high power, who Dr. Bob called “the God of the Good Book.” It is He who heals and sets us free of our addictions. This fact was clearly present in the Personal Stories section of the First Edition. Unfortunately, over the years, most of the original personal stories have been removed, and in current editions only three remain.

The value and insight found in the original stories is pertinent to understanding what made A.A. successful in the first place, as the stories give a particular witness of God and how he disclosed himself to the early members who recovered from alcoholism and went on to lead normal lives. They are a vital part of the literature and success of Alcoholics Anonymous.