“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
-Matthew 10:16
When I was new, I really expected that all of the AA members I met would be perfect moral citizens who practiced what was in the book. They would not lie, cheat, steal, or use another person for their own sexual gratification. But, as another member once pointed out, “AA is not a hot bed of mental health.” Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way and was hurt many times in the process. People who are in AA but not working their steps can be just as sick as those who drink and use outside the walls of the program.
This is why my role as a sponsor is so important. An AA sponsor has a sacred duty to not only take the alcoholic woman through the steps, but also to help her navigate everyday life in Alcoholics Anonymous. As we are learning this new way of living, there will be those who try to take advantage of us. As a sponsor, I can help a new woman be aware of people who may be unsafe and get her hooked in with people who are trustworthy.
Staying sober is hard enough without being the victim of another member’s predatory behavior. While I can by no means control another member’s behavior or make another member really want to work the steps to have a new way of thinking and living, I do have some influence over the women I sponsor. I want to always be a good living example of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Today’s Prayer
God, help me be an active sponsor who always looks out for my sponsees’ best interests both in and out of AA. Give me the strength to guide them in the ways of truth, love, and justice in the program.