Spotlight On Sobriety 01/18/2026
- Jan 12
- 6 min read
In this week's publication:
Click the link below to jump to that section:
Principles Behind The Steps #7
Rehoboth Roundup
54th Gulf Coast Roundup
GSM + Conference
SEMRU Roundup
Spotlight On Sobriety 01/18/2026
Join GaL-AA (It's Free) Click Here
PDF Version:
Please let us know if this PDF version is helpful or not. Click Here
Principles Behind Step Seven
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
The Grace of Humility ~ A Turning Point in the Program
Step Seven asks us to approach our Higher Power with sincerity and ask that our shortcomings be removed. It appears simple, yet it marks a deep spiritual shift.
By this point we have confronted our past, shared our inventory, and become willing to release the character defects and patterns that block us. Humility is the guiding principle. Many of us enter this step unsure of what humility truly means. Over time, we learn it is not about shrinking; it is about becoming right-sized, honest, and open to change.
The Step Seven Prayer
My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength as I go out from here to do your bidding. Amen.
This prayer captures surrender, willingness, and a desire to be of service. It reflects a simple truth: our defects block both our spiritual connection and our ability to show up for others.
Humility as a Daily Practice
Humility reveals itself through everyday actions. We practice it by admitting when we are wrong, listening before reacting, accepting help, and letting go of our need to control everything. Humility softens the ego and makes room for a Higher Power who can do what we cannot do alone.
Step Seven reminds us that transformation is spiritual and sometimes gradual rather than forceful. We spent years trying to control our defects. None of that brought relief. Through humility we cooperate with change honesty, willingness, and daily effort.
Emotional Freedom Through Humility
When we stop hiding our shortcomings, we experience new freedom. Shame begins to fall away, and we no longer need to perform or defend. Some defects fall away quickly. Others remain because they have more to teach us. Humility helps us trust that spiritual growth unfolds at the pace it needs to.
This step also shifts our focus from self-survival toward connection. Asking for defects to be removed becomes a way of becoming more useful, compassionate, and available.
A Queer Perspective on Humility
For LGBTQ+ members, humility can feel layered. Many of us have lived through hiding or self-protection. Step Seven invites us to set aside and break through that armor. Humility is not self-erasure; it is trusting that our Higher Power created us with purpose and love. Through that trust, we discover that our worth is inherent rather than conditional.
Desire and Spiritual Alignment
Within this step, another truth often emerges: I need to develop the ability to pursue what I desire. In active addiction, our desires were driven by fear or compulsion. Step Seven helps us reclaim desire as something sacred. As defects are removed, we learn the difference between craving and the deeper desires that rise from the soul.
Humility clarifies desire. It teaches us that it is not selfish to want a meaningful life or healthy relationships. When desire flows from humility it guides us toward growth rather than ego.
Becoming Who We Are Meant to Be
Step Seven frees us from the fear that once held us back. Desire becomes a tool for spiritual direction instead of a trap. We learn that our dreams can reflect who our Higher Power intends for us to become. Through humility, we pursue our desires responsibly and with integrity. We become participants in our own spiritual development.
A Path of Continual Growth
Humility is not the loss of self but the discovery of a self-aligned with truth. Step Seven invites us into daily partnership with a Higher Power, who removes those things that block us and strengthens those things that help us grow. Practicing this step makes us more available to ourselves, to others, and to the spirit that guides us.
Step Seven becomes a doorway to deeper living. It moves us from fear to trust, from isolation to belonging. Through humility we discover we are not only able to desire but able to pursue those desires with clarity, courage, and love.
Michael M.
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
The 22nd Annual Rehoboth Roundup
February 13-15, 2026
Join over 400 LGBTQIA+ fellow travelers in 12 Step Recovery at the Mid-Atlantic's largest queer roundup!
Attend workshops, panel discussions, and main speaker meetings to strengthen your sobriety. Connect with others from various fellowships using the custom Whova mobile app for networking and staying updated on the agenda.
Come together with the LGBTQIA+ recovery community for a weekend of growth, acceptance, and support.
Our theme for 2026: ACCEPTANCE IS THE ANSWER
Scholarships are available for newcomers and those experiencing financial hardship.
Apply here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsdzNqmdiG4lB_RFPZQzP5FnK3cZ6kExEMYkJSQomxwvih-Q/viewform
AGENDA
Workshops, panels, and main speakers will be announced soon!
Friday, February 13
3 PM — Registration Opens
4 PM — Workshops Begin
6:30 PM — Dinner Break: explore one of the many local dining options or just head down to the hotel restaurant on the first floor
8:30 PM — Opening Speaker Meeting
9:30 PM (ish) — Drag Bingo!
Saturday, February 14
Continental Breakfast (included with registration)
Workshops & Panels all day
Dinner Break — Newcomer Tip: check the Whova app to see who's meeting up for dinner and just show up! Invite yourself, we promise you'll make new friends to share a meal with!
Evening Speaker Meeting
Cabaret Variety Show
Rule 62! Dance Party
Sunday, February 15
8 AM — Breakfast Buffet (not included with basic registration; available for purchase in advance)
9 AM — Closing Speaker Meeting
12 PM — 2027 Planning Committee Nominations & volunteer signup (the hotel will allow late checkout and/or bag storage)
54th Gulf Coast Roundup Feb 13th-15th 2026
Click Here to download the Registration Form
GSM+ Conference June 25-29 2026
You might be asking, why so early if the event isn't until June? We've found that people from AA, especially newcomers, often need plenty of time to make those travel arrangements and plan their budgets for a fun and sober vacation. Plus the longer they wait, the higher the ticket price gets and we want this event to be accessible to as many people as possible. Newcomers are at the heart of what we do and we want to do whatever we can to make it affordable for them. In that spirit, we've also created a special 15% discount code for all of your GaL-AA subscribers. The code is GALAA and it expires on February 14th. www.gayandsober.org/registration
SEMRU Annual RoundUp
Southeastern MA 2026 - Feb 13-16th
Southeastern Massachusetts Round Up
The Southeastern Massachusetts Round-Up (S.E.M.R.U.) is a non-profit organization of LGBTs who join together to organize an annual convention.S.E.M.R.U. is an AA event with Al-Anon and Alateen participation. We produce a two to four day conference of persons in recovery, who observe the Twelve Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. We offer workshops, information and social affairs which are intended not only to carry the message of AA and Al-Anon, but also to convey the spirit of joy, friendship, experience, strength and hope among those who share our special interest.
S.E.M.R.U. is a registered group of Alcoholics Anonymous and adheres to the guidelines and principles set forth by the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, Twelve Concepts, the AA Service Manual, and the Guidelines for Conferences, Conventions, and Roundups published by A.A. World Services.
Register: Click Here: https://www.semru.org
Spotlight On Sobriety 01/18/2026
The Spotlight On Sobriety 01/18/2026 features personal stories, articles, and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.
Statement of Inclusion
GaL-AA exists to serve lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, queers and others in Alcoholics Anonymous regardless of how they self-identify. GaL-AA embraces all members of the AA Fellowship.
Your GaL-AA Newsletter Team
