Sam Shoemaker’s “I Stand by the Door”: AA History and Influence

Sam Shoemaker played a crucial role in the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous. Known for his ability to connect spirituality with personal recovery, Shoemaker emphasized the importance of seeking divine help to overcome alcoholism. He served as a pastor in New York City and Pittsburgh, significantly impacting his congregations and the broader community.

One of Shoemaker’s notable works, “I Stand By The Door,” reflects his philosophy and approach to ministry. This poem, written towards the end of his life, illustrates his belief in being a guide for others, standing at the entrance to offer support. His intention was not to venture too far in himself but to help those who were struggling to find their way.

I Stand By The Door

I stand by the door.
I neither go too far in, nor stay too far out.
The door is the most important door in the world-
It is the door through which men walk when they find God.
There’s no use my going way inside, and staying there,
When so many are still outside and they, as much as I,
Crave to know where the door is.
And all that so many ever find
Is only a wall where a door ought to be.
They creep along the wall like blind men,
With outstretched, groping hands.
Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door,
Yet they never find it…
So I stand by the door.

The most tremendous thing in the world
Is for men to find that door-the door to God.
The most important thing any man can do
Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands,
And put it on the latch-the latch that only clicks and
And opens to that man’s own touch.
Men die outside that door, as starving beggars die
On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter-
Die for want of what is within their grasp.
They live on the other side of it-live because they have not found it.
Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it,
and open it, and walk in, and find Him…
So I stand by the door.

Go in, great saints, go all the way in-
Go way down into the cavernous cellars,
And way up into the spacious attics-
It is a vast roomy house, this house that God is.
Go into the deepest of hidden casements,
Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood.
Some must inhabit those inner rooms,
And know the depths and heights of God,
And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is.
Sometimes I take a deeper look in,
Sometimes venture in a little further;
But my place seems closer to the opening…
So I stand by the door.

There is another reason why I stand there.
Some get part way in and become afraid
Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them;
For God is so very great and asks of all of us,
And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia,
And want to get out. “Let me out!” they cry.
And the people way inside only terrify them more.
Somebody must be watching for the frightened
Who seek to sneak out just where they came in,
To tell them how much better it is inside.

The people too far in do not see how near these are
To leaving-preoccupied with the wonder of it all.
Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door,
But would like to run away. So for them too,
I stand by the door.
I admire the people who go way in.
But I wish they wouldn’t forget how it was
Before they got in. Then they would be able to help
The people who have not yet found the door,
Or the people who want to run away again from God.
You can in too far and stay in too long,
And forget the people outside the door.
As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place,
Near enough to God and hear Him, and know He is there,
But not so far from men as to not hear them,
And remember they are there too.
Where? Outside the door-
Thousands of them, millions of them.
But-more important for me–
One of them, two of them, ten of them,
Whose hands I am intended tp put on the latch.
So I shall stand by the door and wait
For those who seek it.
“I had rather be a doorkeeper…”
So I stand by the door.

Sam Shoemaker’s poem, “I Stand By The Door,” offers a deep insight into the role of those who guide others towards faith. Through his words, Shoemaker reflects on the importance of being at the threshold where one can assist those seeking spiritual awakening. The door symbolizes a gateway to understanding and finding God.

He begins by positioning himself near the door, where he can interact with both those inside and those outside. Shoemaker believes the door is crucial because it is through this entrance that people find God. He neither goes too far in nor stays entirely out, highlighting the balance needed to guide others effectively.

Shoemaker paints a vivid image of people searching blindly along a wall, desperately trying to find the door that leads to God. By standing at the door, he positions himself to help these seekers by placing their hands on the latch, which opens only to their touch. This act of guiding is portrayed as an essential and noble task.

Many individuals die outside the door, unaware of what lies within their reach. They live without finding the spiritual fulfillment that can be accessed through this doorway. Shoemaker stresses that nothing holds more significance than aiding others in discovering and entering the door to find Him.

Shoemaker acknowledges the role of great saints who venture deep inside the spiritual house of God, exploring its hidden depths and heights. He encourages them to immerse themselves fully and share their experiences, which can enrich those standing closer to the entrance. However, he notes that his own calling seems to be near the door, assisting newcomers and those hesitant to fully commit.

He points out that some people enter partially and then become fearful, feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of God and His askings. They experience a sense of cosmic claustrophobia and seek to leave. Shoemaker takes on the responsibility of comforting and guiding these individuals, showing them the benefits of staying inside rather than fleeing. Those entrenched deep within often are too engrossed to notice those near the exit, making Shoemaker’s role of even greater importance.

Shoemaker also expresses admiration for those who journey far within. Yet, he wishes they would remember their time outside the door to help those still struggling to find it or those contemplating leaving. He believes that forgetting about those outside can make it difficult to assist effectively.

For Shoemaker, standing by the door allows him to be close enough to hear and touch God, yet also within reach of those outside, ensuring he does not lose sight of their presence. This position makes him a key figure in connecting seekers with the spiritual fulfillment they crave. Thousands, millions are outside, seeking entry, and Shoemaker is there for each one, ready to put their hands on the latch.

His role as the doorkeeper is crucial because it bridges the gap between the seekers and the profound spiritual experiences that lie within. Shoemaker takes pride in this responsibility, recognizing the impact he can have on others’ spiritual journeys. He remains steadfast in his position, ready to assist anyone who seeks access to God.

In summary, Shoemaker’s poem reflects his dedication to being a guide, standing by the door to help others find their way to spiritual awakening. His balanced approach ensures that he remains connected to both God and the individuals he aims to assist. This role of doorkeeper is not just about guiding; it is about understanding, patience, and unwavering commitment to helping others find their path. By standing by the door, Shoemaker embodies the essence of service and dedication to the spiritual well-being of others.

Background on Shoemaker

Sam Shoemaker was an important Episcopal priest and played a major role in the Oxford Group, a Christian movement that greatly influenced the early Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) organization. Shoemaker focused on spiritual principles such as honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love, which were vital to AA’s foundation. Known as The Four Absolutes, these values were key to early AA practices.

Bill Wilson, often called Bill W. in AA, co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous. He was inspired by the Oxford Group’s teachings and adapted many of its spiritual principles into AA’s basic framework. Bill W. and Shoemaker’s paths crossed frequently at Oxford Group meetings in New York City, where Shoemaker was a leading figure. Over time, Sam Shoemaker and Bill W. developed a strong friendship. Bill W. considered Shoemaker a spiritual mentor, which deeply impacted Bill W.’s thinking and the structure of the AA Twelve Steps.

One of Shoemaker’s significant contributions to AA was his support and guidance, which helped Bill W. refine the spiritual concepts essential to AA’s recovery program. Shoemaker’s theological insights and encouragement helped articulate the core spiritual framework of AA.

Shoemaker’s ministry extended beyond his connection with AA. He served at Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City and Pittsburgh. His work at Calvary Church included printing his poem “I Stand By The Door” and other works. Shoemaker was also responsible for the creation of Faith At Work magazine in 1926.

In addition to his involvement with AA, Shoemaker was active in his ministry in both New York and Pittsburgh. He was considered one of the best preachers of his time, with his sermons distributed widely via tape and radio networks. His wife, Helen Shoemaker, also played a supportive role in his ministry.

Sam Shoemaker’s influence on AA, through his leadership in the Oxford Group and his personal guidance of Bill W., was crucial in shaping AA’s spiritual foundation and guiding principles. His legacy is deeply embedded in the history and practice of Alcoholics Anonymous.

More On The Poem

Sam Shoemaker’s poem, often called an apologia for his life, delves into themes of faith and community. By describing his stance “by the door,” he highlights both humility and the importance of being accessible. The door symbolizes an entry to spiritual awakening, and Shoemaker views his role as guiding people through this entry while staying connected to those still on the outside. His balanced approach between deep spiritual experiences and outreach is central to his message.

Throughout the poem, Shoemaker urges those who have found faith to assist others in discovering it. This is not just a metaphor but a reflection of his life’s mission. He emphasizes the need for those who have ventured deep into the “cavernous cellars” and “spacious attics” of faith to return and help the “blind” and “starving beggars” find the same path.

Key Entities of the Poem

The poem speaks to the essence of service, advocating for a life spent bridging the gap between those deeply entrenched in faith and those just beginning their spiritual journey. Shoemaker’s stance by the door captures this mission perfectly, embodying a philosophy deeply aligned with the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, particularly the Twelfth Step.