BB, Chapter 7 "Working with others":
First sentence: "Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this massage to other alcoholics!" (p.89)
"But he will be curious to learn why his own convictions have not worked and why yours seem to work so well. (...) Perhaps your story will help him see where he has failed to practice the very precepts he knows so well. We represent no particular faith or denomination. We are dealing only with general principles common to most denominations.
Outline the program of action, explaining how you made a self-appraisal, how you straightened out your past and why you are now endeavoring to be helpful to him. It is important for him to realize that your attempt to pass this on to him plays a vital part in your own recovery. Actually, he may be helping you more than you are helping him. Make it plain that he is under no obligation to you, that you hope only that he will try to help other alcoholics when he escapes his own difficulties." (p. 93/94)
"Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you. Offer him friendship and fellowship. Tell him that if he wants to get well you will do anything to help.
If he is not interested in your solution (...) you may have to drop him until he changes his mind. (...) If he thinks he can do the job in some other way (...) encourage him to follow his own conscience. We have no monopoly on God; we merely have an approach that worked with us." (p.95)
"Do not be discouraged if your prospect does not respond at once. Search out another alcoholic and try again. You are sure to find someone desperate enough to accept with eagerness what you offer. We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot or will not work with you. If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become convinced that he cannot recover by himself. (...) Suppose now you are making your second visit to a man. He has read this volume and says he is prepared to go through with the Twelve Steps of the program of recovery. Having had the experience yourself, you can give him much practical advice." (p.96)
"Never avoid these responsibilities, but be sure you are doing the right thing if you assume them. Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while isn't enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be." (p. 97)
"Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house." (p. 98)
"Remind the prospect that his recovery is not dependent upon people. It is dependent upon his relationship with God. (..) Both you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress." (p. 100)
That is what we call sponsorship, I guess...
I thank God for my sponsors, who guided me through the darkness, knowing that the sun is still shining even though if I can't see it. I am eternally grateful for that people who showed me the way and how it works. Without them I would be dead. In the beginning I couldn't trust something I couldn't see. And this people I can see, I can touch, and I can see the love and spirit and hope and joy in their eyes.
God works through people!
Lena
God, make me a channel of Thy Peace!