I have had the privilege of working with many people in Alcoholics Anonymous. I have worked with all walks of life: male and female, rich and poor, young and old, believers and non believers, Christians, Jews and Muslims. I do the same thing with everyone - I always have the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous between them and me. I simply open the book and we begin reading at the preface. As we read the book we discuss the material. I don't change anything for anyone. The solution, a vital spiritual experience, is the solution regardless of what their problem may be in addition to their addiction. Obviously, if a person has mental problems then additional help is necessary for them. I never tell anyone what they must do - I just follow the material and incorporate the Twelve Steps as we move through it all: A practice that can be replicated by anyone.
I know that my behavior is being observed. Not just whether I can "talk the talk" but more importantly can I "walk the walk". Am I practicing the principles of AA? In the forward of The Twelve And Twelve it says, "The twelve steps are a group of principles, spiritual in nature, which if practiced as a way of life can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole."
The following is what my sponsees see in me: I am responsible. When asked to take someone through the book of Alcoholics Anonymous, I say yes. I never consider whether I have enough time... I simply just make it work. There isn't a greater exercise one can participate in than to help another recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Nothing. We meet once a week for an hour and I only cancel if I have an urgent family matter or if I am doing step work with another. My emotional state rarely, if ever, changes one week to the next as I am serene and at peace. I never prepare for a meeting as I am dependent upon and trusting in God. Again, I never tell another what they must do as it is their recovery. It is their relationship with God. I am the example, not the taskmaster.
When we live this life in AA we become happily and usefully whole. Let us share in this legacy.
Dr Silkworth reminds us that we have to somehow find "the philosophy of the spirit" by which to live. My experience as both a sponsee and a sponsor has enabled me to understand what that means and how it is to occur. I know of no way of availing this notion other than by the direct method of sponsorship iterated in this post. The Big Book is the centerpiece of the cultivation of the spirit; the sponsor is merely the facilitator. Yet, my spiritual growth as a result of Big Book sponsorship is the distinguishing characteristic of my philosophy of life today. And, yes, my walking the walk is my opportunity to live with Big Book recovery as the imprimatur of my personality. The Spiritual Experience defines "personality change" as a spiritual experience. Sponsorship has helped me to find and become the person I was born to be. To me that seems to be the ultimate personality change which can and will occur within all who "seize the Big Book to follow its suggestions."
ReplyDeleteMichael as an alcoholic there is no greater thing than helping another alcoholic recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteWorking with others through the big book of AA is the very least I can do. But most of all, it keeps me accountable for my own behavior. I don't think you can read the big book enough times. And nothing makes you more focused on what you are reading than discussing it with another. I totally believe the Holy Spirit is present when reading and sharing with another. I also do it the exact same way because it was the way my sponsor worked with me. Doing it any other way would be inauthentic. Thank you for all your service to us.
ReplyDeleteJim you are welcome. The Lord says "when two or more are gathered in my name I am there."...Thank you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteAs I've written before, one of the greatest blessings received and fondest memories recalled is to have been present when you first came to believe that God Himself is the ultimate author of the 12 steps of AA and then bear witness as you received Him and the Gift to confidently confirm to others that the yearnings of every heart consumed by desperation, fear and trepidation can only be satisfied by a true spiritual conversion. The gift you received to fully apprehend God's revelation, that He personally and continuously reaches out to each and every one of His errant children with fiery passion and boundless love, no matter how far we have strayed from His Light, opened the door to the ultimate and ongoing gift and revelation that He desires that all be joint "sponsor's" of that plan.
I often pass by the small stone chapel where your miracle and ministry began and fondly recall that day we furtively entered as you prepared to execute your 5th Step; and as is my custom, to prayerfully guide us, in His Presence, through the 6th and 7th Step's. I knew the doors are rarely if ever open and its seldom if ever used, but that one day it was unlocked, warm and full of life. There truly are no coincidences in life. We were there by Divine appointment. Over time I watched as you took up His call with complete abandon. He has used your unique personality, talents, culture and experiances as an inspiration to a great many others desperately seeking the only true release from the seemingly inescapable internal prison of self.
My witness to that event and the continuing miraculous reality of its effects are as clear today as it was many years ago. The world is a far better place because you said yes to His invitation and have been faithful and true to His call. That calling, which undergirds Sponsorship in AA can be found in 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect". May God continue to richly bless His children through the ministry He has provided them through you and may you continue to recall and share His glorious intervention until you finally meet Him, face to face.,,
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
A gratefully recovering Alcoholic i humbly post this. Ditto to you for all you have done with The Lord...Thank you...Armand
DeleteBeautiful post and comments from everyone. Fills me with gratitude. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDan you are welcome. Thank you for your help with the blog...Armand
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