“A sponsor is a more experienced person in recovery who
guides the less-experienced aspirant through the program. Sponsors share their
experience, strength, and hope. A sponsor's role is not that of a legal
adviser, a banker, a parent, a marriage counselor, or a social worker. Nor is a
sponsor a therapist offering some sort of professional advice. A sponsor is simply
another addict in recovery who is willing to share his or her journey.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program)
In the above description, I especially like the part of
what NOT to do as a sponsor. Sponsors have to be careful not to take on too
much while helping others. Like physical therapists, they must guide and
support others towards healing. The patient has to do the exercises and develop
strength. A therapist who does too much is not helping the patient stand and
walk on his own.
What if each of us had such a sponsor on our faith
journey--someone who is further along on the path, who would guide us and share
their experience, strength, and hope? What if each of us, in turn, became a
sponsor to someone else who was a few steps behind us—openly sharing our past
struggles and how God came through for us. What a beautiful model for
restoration!
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